. THE
—_ 1 V FF $
OF THE |
FATHERS, MARTYRS,
' AND OTHER.
PRINCIPAL SAINTS:
* 9 * a
nme IRY —- -
- = = 7 | »
PREY
COMPILED
FROM ORIGINAL MONUMENTS, AND OTHER.
h AUTHENTIC RECORDS:
4
ILLUSTRATED
WITH THE REMARKS c oF Judiqious MODERN
| CRTFICE AND HISTORIANS,
-
"By Tus Rev. ALBAN BUTLER.
.
; Tus SECOND EDITION,
| Correied and Enlarged from the AuTzon's own Manuſcript.
IN TWELVE VOLUMES,
VOL, XI.
„
" .
” ”
. 8 =
—
.
DVUBLI N:
PRINTED BY JOHN EXSHAW, f
har Monzie, Publiſher of the AuTror's Moveable Fealts, ke. :
- M-DCCLXXX.
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DECE BE R
p 72 8. and B. c. Doder ef
85 Digits, vr Eloy, B. Es 4 the Church, 113
Bibiana, V. M. F = tha | —
. eof the ara, g 162
; Iadies, C. i 2 0 8. The Conte neepticn of the Bleſſed
Portugueſe ke firſt Diſcover- © Virgin 169
ers of a Nayt arion to the
Eaſt Indies. fir ſt Sot⸗
tibements there. "Progreſs of
the Goſpel. Chard of
„Dune their Diviniti. —
-&, 27. 38, 42, 26
% Birinus, B. ©. og
8. Sofa; Merrmlft,
$. Lucius, Ki 4d K 1
48 Peter Chr 1
8. aer 2 71
S. Anno, 0. Ge 7%
8. Oſmund, B. C. 128
8. Meruchas, B. G 76
* Le or — Abbor
78
8 Clement of Alexindrin, Fa-
ther of the N
His I | 1 ry . 12
8. Sebge, Nübet, 85
. Nievtins, B. % 99
6.8. Nicholas of Myrs, B. C. 98
A Aa 5 Abbot, 418
9 8 Leventhſa, 1179
* Seven Martyrs at 5
s Wilen v. Abet, 5
xo. 'S. 747 Pope,
8 Eulala, V. 0
| 2 2 — famous Ons.
_ His Writings, » ib.
-* Sedufivs,
ib.
a en Files, V. M. 198
11. S. Damaſus, Pope, C. ib.
His Writi 7
Fuste, Victoricus 22
Gen MM. 208
8. Daniel the Stylte, C. ib.
12. 88. NO gona Alexander,
214.
S. Finian, or Finan, B. C. in
_ 16
—
Ireland, 21
8. Columba, Abbot in Irel. 21
S8. Cormac, Abbot in Irel. 21
8. Colman, Abbot in Irel. ib.
8. Eadhürge, Abbeſs, ib.
8. Nichelas 6f Pittata,B. roo B. Valery, Abbot, ib.
88. Dionyſia, Daten, Beontia, 8. C tin, B. C. 240
Tertius, Amilianus, Boni- * Another 8. Corentin, or Cury,
face and Majoricus, Martyrs, Hermit, 221
103 13. 8. Lucy, V. M. ib,
B. Peter Paſchal, B. M. 104
S. Theophilus, B. = 106
* Tatian the Orator, his Apoſ-
tacy, impious Tenets, and
Writings, 108
8. Jodoc, or n C. 223
8. Kenelm, King, M. 226
S. Aubert, B. C. 227
Adelbert, B. 228
B. John Marinoni, C. 232
C
— ——— — —
KB Wy
8. Othilia, V. Abbeſe, 233
14. S. Spiridion, B. C. 234
88. Nicaſius, B. &c. MM. 238 -
15. 8. Euſebius, B. 239
8. Florence, or Flann, Abbot
in Irel. — 446
16. 8. Ado, B. C. ib.
8. Alice, or Adelaide, Empreſs,
J Adelbert, firſt B. of Magde
durg, 2353
8. Beanus, B. in Irel. 257
17.8. Olynipias, Widow, ib.
S. Begga, Widow and 'Abbeſs,
18.8. Rata nd Zo be
8. Gatlan, B. C. * FOI
ig. 'S: Nemeſion, M. Kc. 269
S. Samthana, Virgins Abbeſs in
Ixel.
1558 Philo onzus, B. C. b.
8. Paul of Latrus, Hail, 272
9 8. N ora, Apoſtie, 275
, Edb rge, Vir 1 Got 1
22. 8 Iſchyrion,
88. Cyril and Methogius, 80
28
„The numerous Nations
verted by theſe Miſonaries
ef * Arg _— &, ib.
2 rvulus, G.
170 Martyrs.of Crete, | =
8. Victoria, V. M. 303
ag... Thraſilla and .
Virgins,
8. Gregory of Spoleto, Prisd.
Martyr, 306
25. The Nativity of ou. or
Chriſtmas Day, 305
<
ENT. 38.
„8. Anaſtaſia, M. 335
Another S. Anaſtaſia, M. 3 36
S. Eugenia, V. M.
26. 8. Stephen, the Firſt 3
„ Deacons; what wy Origin
Inſtitution regarded, 8
S. Dionyſius, Pope, C. —
8. larlath, B. C. in Irel. 344
47: 8. * Apoſtle. and Evan-
Fus 345
8. Theodorus Grapt, C. 362
28. The Holy Innocent, 364
8. Theodorus, Abbot, C. 371
8. Orfifius, Abbot, 255
29. 8. Thomas, B. M. 1
Character of Henry II.
ö Ferre, 3930 396
7 \* Miracle at th Saint's tr,
b Nic 2 0.
S8. Evroul Abbot, C.
505 8. Sabinus, | B. &c; MM -—
938 410
411
ms Ek * or the
i "©" Heck the 22
8 412
a 1 92 . +
+45
Sy Maxis, = 15
i. 's veſter, Po * .
F 8. Colimba, V NI.
8. Melania the 3
ArrzDix. Iriſh > Wn
or Account of the Saints ho-
noured in Ireland, 43
| General Alphabetical Table o
in e Ke. W 10 45!
—
bas un
Religi,
adaptec
|
Fach
Advertiſement from | the Publiſber.
Ir is no ſmall Recommendation of this Work which we
now preſent to the Public much improved and enlarged from
the Author's MSS. that on its firſt Appearance in Fn land,
it had obtained a good Reception from all Parties; and that
ſoon after it met with equal Succeſs on the Continent in a
Tranſlation in the French Language. Judicious in the
Plan; and happy in the Execution of it, the learned Au-
thor has to the Teal of the Chriſtian joined the Severity
of the Critic. He ſelected the authentic from the doubt-
ful; and he alike rejected without Scruple the legendary
Accounts of obſcure or overcredulous Writers. By this Diſ-
cernment in ſeparating the true from the falſe, Mr. Butler
has undoubtedly rendered eminent Service to the Cauſe of
Religion and Learning, The Means he employed were well
adapted to the End he propoſed, —to enlighten Mankind; by
laying before them in the Lives of thoſe great and exemplary
Teac ers, the Doctrines by which they governed themſelves,
and laboured to govern others ; as well as the Practices, which
ſancti ied thoſe Doctrines finally, even in the Breaſts of Op-
poſers and Perſecutors. He ſhews us Men who were Reform-
ers, and who actually did reform a ſinful World, inſtead, of
dividing it by Variations among themſelves ; by Diviſions
which in fact diſſolve. Chriſtian Charity, and which in our
own Days have foſtered — — in the fatal Idea, that a Rule
of which ſo many contrary Explications are made, could not
de the Dictate of a Divine Legiſlator. The Fathers and Doc-
tors of the Church, always in Uniſon with the Martyrs and
Confeſſors, ſtripped Infidelity of this blaſphemous Subterfuge.
But let us adore Divine Providence in permitting what it does
not will; and let us hope with the great St. Auguſtine, that
out of the. Collifion of Opinions (which ſome would paſs for
orthodox Doctrines) Union will ultimately take place and
triumph. To haſten: that Union, and render ourſelves wor-
thy of entering into it, has been the principal Object of
the preſent Work. 1 | N
It is with great Satisfaction we aſſure our Readers,
the preſent Edition comes attended with many Advantages,
which the former wanted. In Conformity to the Advice of
many of the Author's Friends, he conſiderably abridged from
the Size of the Work, in order to make it of a Price more
competent to the Generality of thoſe who were moſt likely to
defire to purchaſe it. He withheld from the Preſs the Ac-
counts which he had prepared of the Firs of the Saints,
a great deal of the Reflections which he had interſperſed in
Vor. XII. A x
- ADVERTISEMENT,
their Lives, and almoſt alf the Notes. They however were
carefully preſerved, and have their proper Place in this
Edition. 7 ther; Correctiohs and Additions which the
Author had himſelf made with a View to a ſecond Edition,
are alſo inſerted. *7*31 10 3803 GON 2107
And here it is particularly incumbent on us to make our
moſt reſpectful Acknowi sto Qhatles Butler, Eſq; the
Author's Nephew; who,..attentive ſolely to the public Edif-
cation, not only remitted thoſe Manuſcripts (in the Author's:
own hand) to Dr. Carpenter, but by a liberal Subſcription,
contributed much to the Succeſs of Under taking.
7 But our Obligations to Dr. Carpenter, on many Accounts,
are truly t, and demand our warmeſt Acknowledgments.
He committed to our! Care thoſe valuable Manuſcripts for
Publication. He promoted the De
and Activity. He appointed us intelli
ſee the Preſs. He reviewed the Work
n with Zeal, Influence
Aſſiſtants to over-
Peel after the Preſs,
and often before. In a Wurd, he. beſtowed on it the Labours
and Attentions of an Editor. He did more. He aſſiſted the
Undertaker under ſome of its Embarraſſments. In truth
{we cannot in this iptace
tives of Public Go |
We have. 'alfo/ Obligations to —
men, who exerted much Zeal and
.
A *
-
forego it) he did all from Mo-
—. Geri
nfluence on the Oc-
cuſion: and theſe: perhaps will be more immediately pointed
out by a Review of our annexed Liſt of Subſcribers.
And ſhall it be improper on this Occaſion to acquaint our
numerous Friends aud Subſcribers,: as a Teſtimony of our
Gratitude, that we have uſed our utmoſt Endeavours to plealc
A.
chem ini the Elegance and Beauty of the Edition. We have
beſtowed on them, at leaſt upon thergreateſt Part of them,
a larger Type and3fner Paper, whetein principally con-
fiſts the Elegance of an Edition, than we at firſt) held out to.
them, as their Recripts will demonſttate: An Elegance at-
tended with much Expence. But we are nevertheleſs happy
that the Friends of the Work ſhould be diſtinguiſhed by every
poſſible Mark of a reſpectful Attention on our Part.
The Thirteenth Volume (promiſed; which is to be com-
poſed of ſome Miſoellaneous Manuſeript
thor,
Toacts of the Au-
together with a ſhort Aocbunt of his Life, the Materials
of lt not᷑ being at preſent in complete Order for the Prefs, will,
as ſoon as they arrive from England, be punctually proſecuted,
and put in the
- dition, +
C
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*
Dublin, z gch Jan. 1781
Hands of the Public with all poſhible Expe-
Is. wh 441 3 1 47 7 . TINT
*
=
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8
EN
ml & ZZ I OO Ire ih oY oY hong
— S —
SDR
Gwe a
—
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＋ H E
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z vets TAR
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homas Betagh
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llen
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al}
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R. William Fitz-Herbert
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R. Michael Flanagan | |
K. Chriſtopher Fleming
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John Fagan, Gent.
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| I. | |
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and „ Ho
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H.
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omas Higgins,
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e M Kiernan, Doway
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ames M'Car as
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Patrick Maginn, Clogher
—— Mahon, 3 Sets
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ohn M'Kenna, Co. Meath -
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kh
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fo
%y
TY,
12
K. Dr.
14.
Dr.
hn O Mara, 3 Sets
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hu Meagher
John er, Caſhel
Michael I homas Meritt
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mes Philip. Mulcaile
rby Mace, Callow
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R.
R.
R.
R,
R. Be
R. F
R.
R.
=
R.
R.
R.
R.
R.
R.
R.
R.
R. |
R. John Murphy
R. Thomas Murphy, Ruſk
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k oba thaw
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Mr. | ns Swift, Ruth +
Mr. William Sweetman, Merch.
Mr. Patrick Sweetman, Merch.
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R. Patrick Thally, Clogher
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Mr. James Troy, Junior
Mr. Richard Tute
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R. Patrick Ward
R. Patrick Ward, Clogher
R. Richard Wright, Caſhel
Ralph Ward, Eſq;
Mr. Thomas Walker, Bookſeller
Mr. Richard Walſh
Mrs. Anne Wilſon
Mr. Patrick Wogan, Bookſeller
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SUBSURIE ES EH
Which came to hand too late to be inſerted in the
foregoing Liſt.
*
H IS Excellency the Viſcount of Villa Nova da Cer-
veira, Secretary of State to her moſt Faithful Majeſty.
His Excellency Don Domingos Maſcarenhas, of the
firſt Rank of Dignitaries of the Patriarchal See of Liſbon.
His Excellency Don Francis de Caſtro, of the firſt Rank
of Dignitaries of the Patriarchal See of Liſbon,
Rev. Antonine Fleming, O. P. Liſbon,
Mr, Charles Doran, Merchant, Liſbon.
Mr, Henry Gallwey, Merchant, Liſbon,
DECEMBER TI,
. ELIGIUs called in French ELor, Biſhop
of Noyon, C. |
From his life compiled in two books, by his intimate friend St. Owen,
biſhop of Rouen, thirteen years after his death, extant in Surius,
D'Acheri, Spicileg. T. 5. p. 147. tranſlated into French with his
homilies, by M. Leveſque, at Paris, in Octavo, in 1693. See
Fleury, p. 37, 38, 39. Rivet, Hiſt. Liter. T. 3. p. 595. Ceil-
lier, TI. 17. p. 682, Gallia Chriſtiana nov. T. 9. p. 984.
A. D 659.
Taz name of Eligius, and thoſe of his father Eu-
cherius, and his mother Terrigia, ſhew this ſaint to have
been born not of French, but of Roman Gauliſh ex-
traction, He'was born at Catelat, two leagues north of
Limoges, about the year 588. His parents who- were
very virtuous and in good circumſtances, brought him
up from his infancy in the fear of God, and ſeeing him
induſtrious, placed him with a goldſmith named Abbo,
who was a conſiderable perſon, maſter of the mint at
Limoges, and a devout fervant of God. Eligius was a
youth of uncommon genius and addreſs, and by his
extraordinary application ' artived at an eminent ſkill
in his profeflion. The qualities of his mind, and his
ſteady virtue and religion exceedingly enhanced his re-
putation, and endeared him to all who had the happi-
nels of his acquaintance. His heart was full of ſince-
nty, his whole conduct was under the regulation of an
exact prudence, and his temper ſweet and obliging : his
diſcourſe was: agreeable, modeſt and eaſy, and his at-
tendance on religious duties, moſt aiſiduous and edifying.
never failed aſſiſting at the whole divine office in the
urch, and never loſt an opportunity of attending to
lermons or ſpiritual inſtructions. The oracles of the
Holy Scriptures+he carefully laid up in his memory, and
made them the ſubject of his profound meditation, that
Vor. XII. | 4 2 B 9
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they might ſink deeply into his ſoul, and that he might
apply them to his own ule. |
Eligius having ſome buſineſs which called him into
France, that is, on this ſide the Loire, became known
to Bobo, treaſurer to Clotaire Il. at Paris. This king, to
whom Bobo had recommended him, gave.the faint an
order to make him a magnificent chair of ſtate, adorned
with gold and precious ſtones. Out of the materials the
king furniſhed him, he made two ſuch chairs or thrones
inſtead of one. The king-admited the ſkill and honeſty
of the workman, and finding by his diſcourſe, that he
was a man of great parts, and endowed with excellent
underſtanding, gave him a great ſhare in his confidence,
took him into his houſhold, and made him maſter of
the mint. His name is ſtill to be ſeen on ſeveral gold
coins, ſtruck at Paris in the reigns of Dagobert I. and
his ſon Clovis II. as appears from Le Blanc's hiſtory
of coins. (1) His great credit at court hindered him
not from attending his profeſſion, and he was much
delighted in making rich ſhrines, for the relicks of
ſaints. The tombs of St. Martin at Tours, and of St.
Diony ſius near Paris were ſumptuouſly and curiouſly
adorned by him. (2) The ſhrines alſo of St. Quintin,
SS. Criſpin and Criſpinian at Soiſſons, St. Lucian, St.
Piat, St. Germanus of Paris, St. Severinus, St. Gene-
vieve, &c. were made by our ſaint. Theſe employ-
ments were no impediments to his exerciſes of piety.
Even whilſt he was at work he had ſome good book
open before him, on, which he frequently caſt an eye to
inſtruct himſelf at the ſame time in the law of God,
and to kindle a freſh flame of [devotion in his affections.
On the walls round his chambers were alſo placed pious
books, particularly thoſe of the Holy Scriptures, which
he read for.a, conſiderable time after his hour of prayer
and ſinging pſalms.. The corruption of a court never
infected his ſoul, or impaired his virtue; ſuch was his
diligence in fencing his heart againſt it by the moſt
powerful antidotes. He had not been long there, when
he. formed a reſolution of entering upon a more devout
90 Le Blabe, Eig. de Non, p. 90. 54. Fleury, I. 37. u. 3%
(2) Vita S. Eligij, c. 32. Du Cheſne, Franc, Script. T. 1. P. 57
n. 20. ö
N1ety.
book
ye to-
God,
tions.
10US
Frich
Dee. 1. 8. E LIUGIU S, R c. 1
and auſtere way of living, took a ſtrict view of his
whole life, made a general conteſſion of all the actions
of his youth to a prieſt, (3) and impoſed upon himſelf a
ſerere penance. At firſt when he went to court, he
conformed to the faſhion, and was magnificently ha-
bited,. ſometimes wearing nothing but ſilk, though
at that time it was not very common: and he had
waiſteoats embroidered with gold, and ſaſhes and
purſes adorned with gold and precious ſtones. Yet
even then he privately wore an hair- ſnirt; and aftet
he had entered upon a ſtricter courſe of virtue, he
gave all his arnaments to the poor, and became fo neg-
ligent in his dreſs, that he often girded himſelf with a
cord. The king when he ſaw him in this habit, would
often give him his own clothes and ſaſn; but the faint
gave to the poor all that he received from the king's
bounty. The liberality of his ſovereign enabled him to
beſtow great ſums in alms. If any ſtranger aſked for
his houſe, he was anſwered : Go into ſuch a ſtreet, and
to that part of it where you ſee a crowd of poor people.
Wherever: he went he was followed by a great number
of them; and he himſelf, or one of his ſervants, diſtributed
victuals and money to them. He daily fed a great number
at his own houſe, whom he ſerved himſelf, and he eat
what they left. He gave them wine and fleſh, though
be touched neither himſelf; and ſometimes he faſted
wo or three days together. Sometimes when the uſual
hour was come, and the table laid, he had nothing to
give his poor people, having diſtributed all before: but
be always relied upon providence, which never failed to
ſupply him either by means of the king, or of ſome
PIOUS perſons.” He took care to bury the bodies of male-
ittors, and was particularly zealous to ranſom captives.
When he knew that a ſlave was to be fold in any place,
he made haſte thither, and ſometimes. ranſomed 50 or
100 at a time, eſpecially Saxons: ho were ſold in great
mpanies. After he had ſet them at Jiberty he gave
them their choice, either to return to their own” country,
T to continue with him, or to enter into monaſteries :
of theſe laſt he took particular care. One of the Saxon
| - (3) Vita 8. Elig. c. 7. 2
ON B 2
r
„ IO SOR
flaves whom he brought up with him in the practice of
piety, became ſo eminent for ſanctity, that he is com-
memorated among the ſaints on the 7th of January un-
der the name of St. Theau. Several of his domeſticy
ſung the canonical office with him day and night. A-
mong theſe are named Bauderic, his freed-man ; Tituan
who waited on him in his chamber, was of the nation
of the Suevi, and arrived at the crown of martyrdom :
Buchin, -who had been a Pagan, and was afterward ab -
dot of Ferrieres: Andrew, Martin and John, who by
is means became clerks. Several relicks of ſaints were
\ faſtened to the ceiling. of his room, under. which he
roſtrated himſelf upon an hair-cloth to pray; then he
170 to read, which he often broke off, to lift up bis
eyes to heaven, ſighing and weeping bitterly : for he
was remarkable for an extraordinary tenderneſs of heart,
and eaſily melted into tears. If the king preſſed him to
come to him, ſending one meſſenger after another, he
would not go till he had finiſhed his devotions. He never
went our of doors without praying firſt, and magking the
ſign of the croſs; and the firſt thing he did after he re-
turned was to pray. Diſcretion mixed with ſimplicity
appeared in his countenance : he was tall, had an hand-
fome head, and a ruddy complexion : his hair was natu-
rally curled. By the innocence and regularity of his life
he made his court to his prince without deſign, more ſuc-
celsfully than others do by flattery and other iow arts.
Clotaire dying in 628, his fon and ſucceſſor Dagobert
entertained fo juſt an idea of the ſaint's virtue and wil-
dom that he frequently conſulted him preferably to all
his council about public affairs, and liſtened to his di-
rections for his own private conduct. Eligius took every
favourable opportunity to inſpire him with ſentiments
Juſtice, clemency and religion. The king was ſo far
from being offended at the liberty which the faint took
in bis counſels/and 'admonitions, that he treated him
- with the greater regard; which drew on him the envy
and” jeatouly of the whole court, particularly of the vi-
_ cious/part'of the nobility, who did all in their power ©
«blaſt his character. But their calumnies were too weak
to do him any prejudice, and ſerved only to give lt
M546 Moraes i. -. |
Dec. 1. . AKIGIUS,.B.C 5
virtue a freſh luſtre, and enhance Dagobert's veneration
for him, who loaded him with fav ours: though it never
was in his power to make him rich, becauſe all that the
ſaint received, was immediately employed in reſieving
the neceſſitous, or in raiſing charitable and religious
foundations. The firſt of theſe was the abbty of So-
lignac, which he built two leagues from Limoges, on a
piece of ground granted him by the king for that pur-
poſe. The faint richly endowed it, peopled it with
monks from Luxeu, and made it ſubject to the inſpec-
tion of the abbot of that monaſtery. This new com-
munity increaſed conſiderably in a little time, and con-
liſted of an hundred and fifty perſons, who worked at
ſeveral trades, and lived in admirable regularity. Da-
gobert alſo gave our ſaint a handſome houſe at Paris,
which he converted into a nunnery, and placed in it
three hundred religious women under the direction of
St. Aurea, whoſe name occurs in the Roman mattyro-
logy on the 4th of October. This monaſtery has ſince
been given to the Barnabites, and the eſtates which be-
longed to it are now annexed to the biſhopric of Paris.
When the faint had begun this building, he found that
it exceeded the meaſure of the land which he had ſpe-
ciied to his majeſty by one ſoot: upon which being
ſtruck with great Vial, and remorſe, he immediately
vent to the king, and throwing himſelf at his feet beg-
ged his pardon with many tears. Dagobert ſutpriſed at
tis caution, to recompenſe his piety, doubled his former
donation, When the ſaint was gone out he faid to his
courtiers : See how faithful and careful thoſe who
krve Chriſt are. My officers and governors ſtick not to
ob me of whole eſtates : whereas Eligius trembles at
the apprehenſion of having one inch of ground which
mine.” It not being then allowed to bury within
cities, the ſaint made a burial-place for theſe nuns with-
out the walls, and built there a church in honour of St.
aul, which is now a large pariſh-church. The inhabi-
_ of Britany having provoked the king by making
quent inroads and plunders, he ſent Eligius upon an
mbaſſy to them, who prevailed upon Judicacl, their
Pince, to go in perſon to Paris, and by his ſubmiſſions
6 "AD VGPES'S.:C .Dnt.
appeaſe the king's anger. (a) Dagobert being deſirous
to employ the ſaint in his moſt important commiſſions,
. preſſed him to take an oath of fidelity, as was uſual on
ſuch occaſions. Eligius having a ſcruple leſt this would
be to ſwear without ſufficient neceſſity, excuſed himſelf
with an obſtinacy which for ſome time diſpleaſedꝭ the
king. Still the ſaint perſiſted in his reſolution for fear
of incurring the danger of offending God, and repeated
his excuſes with many tears, as often as the king preſſed
him on that ſcore. Dagobert at length perceiving that
the only motive of his reluctance was an extreme tender-
neſs of conſcience, graciouſly aſſured him that his con-
ſcientious delicacy was a more ſecure pledge of his fide-
lity than the ſtrongeſt oaths of others could have been.
The extraordinary piety, and prudent fear of offend-
ing God, which St. Eligius ſhewed in all his actions,
made ſo ſtrong an impreſſion on the mind of St. Owen,
when he was but twelve years old, and lived in the
court, that the fervent young nobleman reſolved to
walk in his ſteps; and as he grew up, contracted fo
cloſe a friendſhip with him that they ſeemed to have but
one heart and one ſoul. Whilſt they were laymen, and
lived at court, they zealouſly laboured to maintain the
purity of the faith, and the unity of the church. St.
Eligius procured a council to be held at Orleans againſt
certain | heretics, drove a company of impious perſons
out of Paris, and with St. Owen employed his endea-
vours effectually to root out ſimony, a vice which had
grievouſly infected France ever ſince the unhappy reign
of Brunebault. St. Deſiderius, who lived then in the
court of Dagobert, and was afterward made biſhop ot
Cahors, was joined in holy friendſhip with theſe two
ſaints; alſo St. Sulpicius, afterward archbiſhop of Bout
ges: and theſe holy men by their mutual example were
a ſpur to each other in the heroic practice of every Vi
tue. The whole kingdom was exceedingly edified by
the ſanctity of theſe zealous courtiers, and the biſhops
”"
(a) Lebeuf (Hiſt. du Dioceſe de Paris, T. 11.) obſerves from this
life of St. Eligius, that the king's palace was then at Gentilly, at
that time the moſt agreeable ſpot near Paris, though it is now 4 war
try and diſagreeable village.
Dec. 1. A. ES PG FUSS N. 7
took a reſolution to procure them to be called into the
epiſcopal Order. The fees of Noyon and Tonrnay,
which had been united ever ſince St. Medard, in 512,
and then compriſed Upper Picardy, and all the provin-
ces that lie between that country and the mouth of the
Rhine, became vacant by the death of St. Acarius, in
629, and St. Eligius was required to take upon him that
arduous charge, and ſoon after St. Owen was choſen bi-
ſhop of Rouen. - King Clovis II. who had ſucceeded his
father Dagobert, ſtood in need of ſuch miniſters : but
the ſpiritual good of ſo many ſouls took place. St. Eli-
gius trembled at the ſight of the burden, and obtained
a delay of two years to prepare himſelf, during which
time he was ordained prieſt, and practiſed the clerical
duties. St. Owen did the like, having retired for thar
purpoſe beyond the Loire. They agreed to meet and
receive the epiſcopal conſecration together at Ronen,
which they. did on Sunday before Rogation-week, in
640, or according to ſome in 646. The inhabitants of
the diſtri&t of Ghent and Courtray, which then depended
on the dioceſs of Noyon, were ſtill Pagans, and fo fierce
and ſavage that they would not ſo much as hear the goſ-
pel preached to them. This was the chief reaſon of
chooling ſo zealous a paſtor for them as St. Eligius.
From. Rouen he only went back to court to take his
laſt _ of it, and thence he repaired ſtraight to Noy-
on. (b) 2. 8
(6) Thirteen biſhops fat at Auguſta Veromanduorum, or Virman-
dis, long ſince a village. St. Medard was conſecrated the fourteenth
op in 530, and that city having been deſtroyed by barbarians
tranſlated his ſee to Noyon' in 531, and was allo made biſhop of
ournay in 532. St. Acarius, a monk of Luxen, was made bithop
of Noyon and Tournay about the year 621, is ſtyled faint by Mola-
nus and Mirzus : on his death St. Eligius was promoted to that ſee,
il. Chr. nov. T. 9. p. 98 l. 855 2 2
By a decree of Eugenius III. in 1146 the ſee of Tournay was Again
ated, and has had from that time its own biſhops, who ſoon af-
ter were created counts and ranked among the twelve peers of France
No officiate at the king's coronation. Tournay and Lille had re-
ceived the faith in part by the preaching of St. Piat, mentioned by St.
*egory of Tours; but 'few traces of it remained when St, Eligius
9 his zealous labours entirely baniſhed ãdolauy out of that flouriſhing
vuntry, and founded at Tournay the famous abbey of St. Martin,
which in the twelfth century adopted the rule of St. Bennet. |
8 8. £L1GTUS a. p
Our ſaint in this new dignity increaſed his faſts and
watchings with his labours, and ſnewed the ſame humi-
lity, the ſame ſpirit of poverty, penance and prayer as
before: alſo the ſame charity towards the poor and
the ſick, whom he continued frequently to ſerve with
his own hands, regularly entertaining twelve poor per-
ſons at his own table on certain days in the week. He
always took particular delight to be in the company of
the poor, and often left his clergy and others to ſhut
himſelf up with them, and he often clothed them, waſh-
ed their faces and hands, and ſhaved their heads with
his own hands. His paſtoral ſolicitude, zeal and watch-
fulneſs were moſt admirable. The firſt year he em-
loyed entirely in reforming his clergy, and regulatin
the manners of his chriſtian flock. 22 this — —
his thoughts to the converſion of the infidels among the
Flemings about Antwerp, and the Friſons and Suevi,
as far as the ſea-ſhore, eſpecially about Ghent and Cour-
tray. St. Amandus, born of a Roman family near
Nantes, being the fon of Serenus and Amantia, and a
monk, had been ordained by the Gallican prelates a a
biſhop of Nations, in 626, and had begun to plant the
faith in the neighbourhood of Ghent, (c) under the direc-
tion of St. Acarius biſhop of Noyon ; and in 636 St.
Omer was ordained biſhop of the Morini. But a great
part of Flanders was chiefly indebted to St. Eligi-
us for the happineſs of receiving the light of the goſ-
pel. He preached in the territories of Antwerp,
Ghent and Courtray. The inhabitants who at firſt
were as fierce as wild beaſts, were ready every day to
tear him to pieces; yet he perſevered exhorting them,
deſiring nothing more than martyrdom. He inſtructed
with more than paternal tenderneſs thoſe who long re-
fuſed to hear him, took care' of their ſick, comforted
them in their afflictions, aſſiſted them in their wants,
and employed every means that the moſt tender and in-
(e) The chronicle of the abbey of Blandinium or St. Peter's at
Ghent fays that St. Amand enlarged the buildings and augmented the
revenyes of that monaſtery, built St. Martin's church at Court'ay,
and the churches of Bruges, Aldenburg, Rodenburg and Ooſtburg.
See Sanders, I. 4. Ganda venſium rerum, p. 289.
*
nes 4 21018, - 0 9
genious charity could ſuggeſt, to overcome their obſti-
nacy. The barbarians were at length ſoftened, and
conſidering his diſintereſtedneſs, his goodneſs, meekneſs,
and mortified abſtemious manner of living, they began
to admire, and even to deſire to imitate him. Many
were converted, and theſe induced others to hear the
holy prelate's ſermons, from which they went in bodies
to deſtroy their temples and idols of their own accord;
then returned to the holy prelate, and defired baptiſm.
Eligius uſually tried and inſtructed them for a whole
year before he admitted them to the ſacred laver of re-
generation, By his diſcourſes he raiſed the minds of the
ſupine and flothful barbarians to an affection for heavenly
things and inſpired them with a meek and peaceable
temper : he taught them the means of rooting out of
their hearts the love'of pleafures and riches, and of per-
ſectly ſubduing the evil habits of lying, enmity, hatred
and revenge, and ceaſed not to inculcate the precept of
fraternal charity. In his exhortations he joined prayers
and tears with reprehenſions and threats; for his ſweet-
neſs and mildneſs had no mixture of weakneſs, and his
apoſtolic vigour and ſeverity had nothing in it of bitter-
neſs or harſhneſs. Every year at Eaſter he baptized-
great numbers both of old and young, whom he had
brought to the knowledge of the true God, in the ſpac
of the twelve preceding months; to whom he had long
before given the habit of catechumens, and who had
long exerciſed themſelves in ſuitable practices of fet-
vent devotion ahd periance. The prudence and zeal of
our holy paſtor were not leſs remarkable in bringing ſin-
ners after baptiſm to ſincere penance. Many, like pati-
ents who in a fit of raving fall on the phyſicians that
come to cure them, roſe up againſt their holy biſhop, be-
cauſe he refuſed to ſuffer them to live according to their
paſſions and fancy. But Eligius conſidered that a chari-
table phyſician or tender father abandons not a ſiek pati
ent who in the violence of his fever forgets the reſpect
and obedience that is due to him, feared no dangers
in the diſcharge of his paſtoral duty, and in maintaint-
5 the indiſpenſable laws of penance, and the rules
ot eccleſiaſtical diſcipline. Many ſinners ran to receive
—_—_—C "I I
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£3 =
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bo... S. ELTGIVU'S,'B, o. Dec. E.
penance by confeſſing their ſins, and the holy biſhop was
very earneſt in the eare of their converſion. He exhorted
all to frequent the churches, give alms, ſet their ſlaves
at liberty, and practiſe all forts of good works; and
he engaged ſeveral of both ſexes to embrace a monaſtic
life. - Once, not far from Noyon, he preached on the
feaſt of St. Peter againſt dancing, which the people
made a frequent occaſion of many fins. Many mur-
mured hereat, and even threatened the holy prelate:
but he preached the next feſtival on the ſame ſubject
with greater vehemence than ever. Hereupon the in-
corrigible ſinners openly threatened his life. The ſer-
vants of the lord of the place went about ſtirring up the
whole. country againſt him : for ſuch men where they
are not reſtrained by their maſter's authority, eaſily be-
come-lawleſs, and are the bane of a whole pariſh. The
biſhop at length found himſelf obliged to cut off theſe
ſons of Belial from the communion of the faithful, and
to deliver them over to Satan, for the remedy of their
fouls, Fifty of them were afflicted by God, and made vi-
ſible ſpectacles of his judgments : but upon their repen-
tance were cured by the faint. St. Owen mentions ma-
ny blind, lame and ſick perſons who received the benefit
of their health, and uſe of their limbs, by the prayers
of St. Eligius, | |
Among other prophecies, his prediction of the diviſy
on of the French - monarchy amongſt the three ſons of
Clovis II. and its reunion under Theodoric, the youngeſt .
of them, was recorded by St. Owen before its entire
accompliſhment. (4) This author informs us, (5) that
our ſaint aſſembled the people every day, and inſtructed
them with indefatigable zeal ; and he gives us an ab-
ſtract of ſeveral of his diſcourſes united in one; by
which it appears that his ſtyle was plain, ſimple, and
without many ornaments, but tender and pathetic, and
that he often borrowed whole paſſages from the ſermons .
of St. Cæſarius, as was cuſtomary in France at that
time. He often explained the obligation of the ſolemn
vows or promiſes which Chriſtians make at their bap-
(4) Vita S. Elig. I. 2. c. 31. Fleury, I. 40. n. 9. (5) Ib.
I. 2. c. 14 * |
theſe
, and
their
de vi-
epen-
5 ma-
enefit
ayers
liviſ-
ns of
pai AA Urans KC: 11
tim, exhorting the faithful to have them always before
their eyes, and to be no leſs careful to practiſe than to
believe what · they profeſs under the moſt ſacred: engage-
ments. He inſiſted much on the obligation of almſdeeds,
recommended the invocation of ſaints, and inſtructed
the faithful to beware of ſuperſtitious practices then in
vogue; among which he reckons the obſervation of un-
lucky days, the ſolemnizing of new-year's day with
drinking and diverſions, and the like. He ſtrongly re-
commended prayer, the partaking of the body and
blood of Chriſt, extreme-unction in time of ſickneſs,
and the ſign of the croſs to be always worn on our
forehead, the efficacy of which ſign he ſet forth. The
ſerenteen homilies, which bear his name in the library
of the fathers, cannot be his work; for the author had
been a monk before he was biſhop. (6) The charter of
St. Eligius for the foundation of the abbey of Solignac
is ſtill extant. (7) The faint having governed his flock
nineteen years and a half was favoured with a foreſight
of his death, and a little before he was ſeized with his
laſt ſickneſs, foretold it to his diſciples. Seeing them
weep he ſaid : ** Grieve not, my children; but rather
congratulate with me. I have longed for this time, and
ſighing under the miſeries of this world have wiſhed for
a releaſement.“ Falling ill of a fever, he prayed almoſt
without interruption 3 and on the ſixth day convened his
diſciples, and made them a pathetic exhortation to a
virtuous lite. They burſting all together into tears he
was not able to refrain from weeping with them, and
on his knees he commended them all to God, praying
him not to abandon them, and to give them an holy pat-
tor. After this he continued his private prayers for ſeve-
ral hours; then reciting the Canticle Nunc dimitiis, &c.
and fervently commending his ſoul into the hands of
his Redeemer, he happily expired at one o'clock the net
morning, on the 1ſt of December, in 659, or in 665 if
he was conſecrated biſhop in 646, being ſeventy .years
and ſome months old. Upon the news of his {ickack
queen Bathildes ſet out from Paris with her children, the
(6) Bibl. Parr. T. 12. p. 300. Ceillier, p. 586. Rivet, p. 596
(7) Mabill. AR, Ben. T. — p- 1091, 1092, OY
12 S. e e C. Dec. f.
lords of her court, and a rurnerous train: but arrived
only the morning after his death. She bathed the corpſe
with a flood of tears, and cauſed all preparations to be
made for carrying it to her monaſtery at Chelles. O-
thers were very deſirous that it ſhould be conveyed to
Paris: but the people of Noyon fo ſtrenuouſly oppoſed
it that the precious remains of their holy paſtor were
left with them, and the greateſt part is kept at Noyon
to this day. His body was depoſited in the church
of St. Lupus of Troyes, out of the walls, ſoon after
called St. Eligius's, as St. Owen teſtifies, This mo-
naſtery of St. Eligius is now of the Benedictin Order of
the reformed congregation of St. Maur. The relicks
of the ſaint were afterward tranſlated into the cathe-
dral. Several other churches lay claim to ſmall por-
tions. St. Owen relates many miracles which followed
his death, and informs us that the holy abbeſs St. Au-
rea, Who was ſwept off by a peſtilence with an hundred
and ſixty of her nuns, in 666, was advertiſed of her laſt
hour ſome time before it, by a comfortable viſion of St.
Eligius. Queen Bathildes ſoon after laying aſide all or-
naments of ſtate, gave them all to the poor, except
her gold bracelets, of which ſhe cauſed a croſs to be
made, which ſhe placed at the head of St. Eligius's
monument. She alſo ordered a fort of canopy called Repa
to be made of gold and ſilver, and ſet it over his tomb.
The noblemen of her court imitating her example,
offered abundance of gold and precious ſtones to adorn .
the ſame: and as it ſhone very bright, it was covered
in Lent with a linen cloth, bordered with ſilk. A
certain liquor which dropped from this linen cloth
cured various diſtempers. (8) Fleury takes notice from
this circumſtarice, that it was the cuſtom at that time
to cover on penitential days whatever looked bright
or ſhining in churches.
St. Eligius learned to be a ſaint, living in the world
and in a court. But for this he ſtudied neither to be
(8) S. Andoen, vit. S. Eligii, c. 40. ee Du Cange, in Gloſſar. .
N. ; |
of the world, nor to be withdrawn by the world from
a conſtant application to religious duties. To attend to
them he ſometimes excuſed himſelf even from waiting
upon his prince when called upon by him: nor would -
he remain in his ſervice upon other conditions. In the
world converſation is a devoir of civility, charity and
friendſhip. But, firſt, it muſt be ſincere; not forma-
lty and mere compliment, which is frequently the caſe.
Men who are idolaters of themſelves are incapable of
true charity towards others; jealouſy, envy and reſent-
ment being on every occaſion eaſily kindled in their
hearts, Hence their proteſtations of friendſhip are of-
ten a baſe hypocriſy, and a traffic of mutual deceit;
2 diſpoſition diametrically oppoſite to that of charity
and ſimplicity. Secondly, converſation with men muſt
not take up a conſiderable of our time, nor be a
ſource of vain amuſement or unprofitable fooleries. To-
wards thoſe who would overwhelm us with idle viſits,
ve are allowed, and when neceſſary, ought to ſhew
ſome coolneſs, in order to break off a frivolous and
fruitleſs commerce. Worldly diſcourſe uſually tends
to promote vanity, pride, ſenſuality, and other paſſions.
Men in general are not capable of being ſpoken. to in
the language of ſolid truth. Therefore we ought to
(peak it often to ourſelves by holy meditation and read-
ng; and the oftner our circumſtances oblige us to liſten
to the language of the world, ſo much the more diligent
are we bound to be in attending to the voice of truth.
lt is only the blindneſs and ſpirit of vanity that reigns
in the world, which has brought any other dialect
but that of truth into faſhion. . St. Eligius and many
other ſaints found leiſure even in courts to converſe
moſtly with heaven and themſelves. Who then can
Plead any excuſe? |
»
5 8. BIB TAN A, V. M. Des. 2
DEC EMB E R II
| st. B 1B I A N A, . M.
Abridged from ber Acts, which are dishgured by interpolations. See
Anaſt. in Simplicio, & Baron. Annot. in Martyr, Rom. Bous &
Aringhi, Rama Subterr. L. 3. c. 37. |
A. D. 363. |
| W E are informed by Ammianus Marcellinus, a Pa-
gan hiſtorian of that age, and an officer in the court
of julian the Apoſtate, that this emperor made Apro-
nianus governor of Rome in the year 363, who, while
he was on the way to that city, had the misfortune to
loſe an eye. This accident he ſuperſtitiouſſy imputed
to the power of magic, through the malice of ſome
who excelled in that art; and in this fooliſh perſua-
ſion, to gratify his ſpleen and ſuperſtition, he reſolved
to puniſn and exterminate the magicians ; in which ac-
euſation "Chriſtians "were. involved above all others on
account of many wonderful miracles which were wrought
in the primitive ages. Under this magiſtrate St. Bibi-
ana received the crown of "martyrdom. * This holy vir-
gin was a native of Rome, and daughter to Flavian a
Roman knight, and his wife Dafrola, u ho were both
zealous Chriſtians. Flavian was apprehended, deprived
of a conſiderable poſt which he held in the city, burned
in the face with an hot iron, and baniſhed to Acqua.
pendente, then called Aquæ Taurinæ, where he died
of his wounds a few days after. Dafrofa, by an of-
der of Apronianus who had thus treated her huſband
for his conſtancy in his faith, was on the ſame account
confined to her houſe for ſome time; and at lengtt
carried out of the gates of the city, and beheaded,
Bibiana and her ſiſter Demetria, after the death of
their holy parents, were ſtripped of all they had in
the world, and ſuffered much from poverty for ic
months, but ſpent that time in their own houſe in aſt-
ing and prayer. Apronianus had flattered himſelf that
Dec.
hung!
but |
befor
feſhot
of th
manu
hand:
extre
ther
all th
ward
her
at th
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her t
bade.
faint
in th
in the
havin
Jes, 2.
a Pa-
court
Apro-
while
une to
1puted
ſome
perſua-
ſolved
ch ac-
ers on
rought
. Bibi-
ly vir-
ian a
e both
prived
hurned⸗
\cqua-
e died
an of-
uſband
ccount
length
jeaded.
ath of
had in
or five
in faſt-
I that
Dec. 2. S. BI BI A. N A, V. M. 15
hunger and want would bring them to a compliance:
but ſeeing himſelf miſtaken ſumynoned them to appear
before him. Demetria having made a generous con-
feſhon of her faith, fell down and expired at the foot
of the tribunal, in the preſence of the judge. Apro-
nianus gave orders that Bibiana ſhould be put into the
hands of a- wicked woman named Rufina, who was
extremely artful, and undertook to bring her to ano-
ther way of thinking. That agent of hell employed
all the allurements ſhe could invent; which were after-
ward ſucceeded by blows : but Bibiana making prayer
her ſhield, remained. invincible. Apronianus enraged
at the courage and perſeverance of a tender virgin, at
length paſſed ſentence of death upon her, and ordered
ber to be tied to a pillar, and whipped with ſcourges
loaded with leaden plummets till ſhe expired. The
ſaint underwent this puniſhment. cheerfully, and died
in the hands of the executioners. Her body was left
in the open air that it might be a prey to beaſts; but
having lain expoſed two days was buried in the night
near the palace of Licinius, by an holy prieſt called
John. Peace being ſoon after reſtored to the church, a
chapel was erected over her tomb; and an hundred
years after, in 465, pope Simplicius built there a fair
church, as Anaſtaſius mentions 1n his life. This church
was called Olympina, from a pious lady of that name
vho defrayed the expences. | It was repaired by Hono-
rus III. but being fallen to decay was afterward united
oY Mary Major, till it was ſumptuouſly rebuilt by
2 VIII. in 1628, who placed in it the relicks of SS.
vlbiana, Demetria and Dafroſa, which were diſcovered
in that place which has been ſometimes called St. Bibi-
aa's cemetery,
The only affair which a Chriſtian has in this w
= - which conſiſts all his happineſs and joy, *
wy od, to attain to the perfect poſſeſſion of his grace
— ** and in all things moſt perfectly to do his
Ey this diſpoſition of heart he is raiſed above
created things, and united to the eternal and un-
=
. - —
wt. _- ** ” 1 —
nnn
1
as. —
l
4
:
j
J
16 s. BIBIANA, v. M. Dec. 2.
changeable object of his fecility. He receives the good
things of this world with gratitude to the Giver, but
always with indifference; leaves them with joy, if God
requires that ſacrifice. at his hands; and in his abun-
dance fears not ſo much the flight of what he po.
ſefles as the infection of his own heart, or leſt his af.
fections be entangled: by them. Such attachments
are ſecretly and imperceptibly cantracted, yet are ties
by which the ſoul is held captive, and enſlaved to the
world. Only aſſiduous prayer and meditation on hea-
venly things, habitual ſelf-denial, humble diſtruſt and
watchfulnels, and abundant almſdeeds proportioned to
a perſon's circumſtances, can preſerve a foul from this
dangerous ſnare amidſt - worldly affluence. To theſe
means is that powerful grace annexed. This diſen-
gagement of the heart, how ſincere ſoever, uſually ac.
quires a great inereaſe and perfection by the actual
facrifice of earthly goods, made with heroic ſentiments
of faith and divine love, when God calls for it, Such
an offering is richly compenſated by the moſt abun-
dant ſpiritual graces and comforts at preſent, and an
immenſe weight of eternal glory in the next life.
ments
re ties
to the
n hea-
ſt and
ed to
m this
. theſe
diſen-
lly ac-
actual
iments
Such
abun-
nd an
pee. ) . FRANCIS XAVIER, C. 17
D E C E M B E R III.
S. FRANCIS XAVIE R, Apoſile of
the Indies, CG.
His life was written in Latin by F. Turſelin, in fix books, firſt print»
ed at Rome in 1594. The fame author tranſlated into Latin, and
publiſhed in 1596 the ſaint's letters in four books, The life of
this faint was alſo compoſed by F. Orlandino in the hiſtory of the
Society: in Italian by F. Bartoli; alſo by F. Maffei: in Portu-
gueſe by Luzena, and in Spaniſh by F. Garcia. See likewiſe F.
ieremberg's illuſtrious men: the modern hiſtories of India, eſpe-
cially that of Jarrio : Solia's hiſtory of Japan, Lewis de Guſman's
Spaniſh hiſtory of the miſſions to the Eaſt- Indies, China and Ja-
pan; and Ferdinand Mendez Pinto's Travels in Portugueſe. From
theſe and other ſources is the life of St, Francis Xavier elegantly
compiled in French « judicious and eloquent F. Bouhours,
2 in Engliſh by Dryden in 1688. See alſo Maffei hiſtor.
ndicar. I. 15, F. Ribadeneira, F. Charlevoix, hiſt. de Japan.
Lafteau, Decouvertes et Conqueſtes des Indes Orientales par les
Portuguais, * N
A. D. 1552.
A Charge to go and preach to all nations was given
by hoc to his apoſtles. This commiſſion the paſtors
the church have faithfully executed down to this pre-
ſent time; and in every age have men been raiſed by
God, and filled with his holy ſpirit for the diſcharge of
this important function, who being ſent by the autho-
nty of Chriſt and in his name by thoſe who have ſuc-
ceeded the apoſtles in the government of his church,
have brought new nations to the fold of Chriſt for the
advancement of the divine honour, and filling up the
number of the ſaints. This converſion of nations ac-
cording to the divine commiſſion is the prerogative of
catholic church, in which it has never had any ri-
val. Among thoſe who in the ſixteenth century labour-
ed moſt ſucceſsfully in this great work, the moſt illuſ-
nous was St. Francis Xavier, the Thaumaturgus of theſe
later ages, whom Urban VIII. juſtly ſtyled the apoſtle
of the Indies. This great ſaint was born in Navarre, -
at the caſtle of Xavier, eight leagues from Pampelona,
mn 1500. His mother was heireſs of the two illuſtrious
Vor. XII. "i
r
I
.
*
8
Ll
1
ver
* — — 3 1 2 5
— 3
18 s. FRANCIS XAVIER, o. Dec. 3
houſes of Azpilcueta and Xavier, and his father Don
John de Jaſſo, was one of the chief counſellors of ſtate
to John Ill. d'Albret, king of Navarre. Among their
numerous fatnily of children, of which Francis was the
youngeſt, thoſe that were elder bore the ſurname of
Azpilcueta, the younger that of Xavier. Francis was
inſtructed in the Latin tongue, under domeſtic maſters,
and grounded in religious principles in the boſom of
his pious patents. From his infancy he was of a com-
plying, winning humour, and difcovered a good ge-
nius and a great propenſiy to learning, to which of his
own motion he turned himſelf, whilſt all his brothers
embraced the profefſion of arms. His inclination de-
termined his parents to ſend him to Paris in the eigh-
teenth year of his age; where he entered the college of
St. Barbara, and commencing a courſe of ſcholaſtic phi-
toſophy, with inceſſant pains and incredible ardour,
ſurmounted the firſt difficulties of the crabbed and ſub-
tle queſtions with which the entrance of logic was pav-
ed. Eis faculties were hereby opened, and his pene-
tration and judgment exceedingly improved; and the
applauſe which he received agreeably flattered his va-
nity, which paſſion he was not aware of, perſuading
himſelf, that to raife his fortune in the world was a
commendable purſuit. Having ſtudied philoſophy two
ears he proceeded maſter of arts; then taught philo-
bphy at Beauvais college, though he ſtill lived in that
ot St. Barbara. \ .
St. Ignatius came to Paris in 1528 with a view to
finiſh his ſtudies, and after ſome time entered himfelf
penſioner in the college of St. Barbara. This holy man
had conceived a defire of forming a ſociety wholly de-
voted to the falvation of ſouls; and being taken with
the qualifications of Peter Faber, called in French Le
Fevre, a Savoyard, and Francis Xavier, who had been
ſchool-fellows, and till lived in the fame college, en-
deavoured to gain their concurrence in this holy project.
Faber; who was not enamoured of the world, refigne
himſelf without oppoſition. But Francis whoſe head
was full of ambitious thoughts, made a long and vigor,
dus refiſtance, and bantered and rallied Ignatius on
— — — — — OC — — —S
Dec. Þ
r Don
f ſtate
their
as the
me of
is was
aſters,
om of
com-
od ge-
of 17
rothers
Dec. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. 10
occaſions, ridiculing the meanneſs and poverty in which
be lived as a degenerate lowneſs of ſoul. Ignatius re-
id his contempt with meekneſs and kindneſs, and con-
tinued to repeat ſometimes to him: Mat will it profit
a man 10. gain the whole world, and laſe his own ſoul,
This made no impreſſion on one who was dazzled with
win · glory, and under pretences joined falſe maxims of
worldly decency in his idea of chriſtian virtue. Igna-
tius a — him on the, weaker fide often congratu»
lated with him for his talents and learning, applauded
his lectures, and made it his buſineſs to progure him
ſcholars: alſo on a certain occaſion when he was in
necelity, he furniſhed him with money. Francis hav»
ing a generous foul, was moved with gratitude, and
conſidered that Ignatius was of great birth, and that
only the fear of God had inſpired him with the choice
of the life which he led. He began therefore to look
on Ignatius with other eyes, and to hearken to his difs
courles. At that time certain emiſſaries of the Luther+
ans ſecretly: ſcattered their errors among the ſtudents at
Paris, in 10 dextrous a manner as to make them appear
plauſible, and Xavier, who was naturally curious, took
pleaſure in hearing theſe novelties, till Ignatius put him
upon his guard. Some time after this, having one day
found Xavier more than ordinarily attentive,. he repeat -
ed to him theſe words more forcihly than ever: ¶ hai
vill it prof a man 10 gain the whole world, and loſe bis
a
wn /oul ? and remonſtrated that fo noble a ſoul ought
not to confine. itſelf to the vain honours of this world;
that celeſtial glory was the only object for his ambition,
ud that it was againſt reaſon not to prefer that which is
eternally to laſt before what vaniſhes like a dream. Xa.
veer then began to ſee: into the emptineſs of ear
Freatneſs, and to find himſelf powerfully touched with
the love of heavenly things. Yet it was not without
many ſerious thoughts, and grievous ſtruggles that his.
was overcome by the power of thoſe eternal truths,
and he took a reſolution of ſquaring his life entirely by
the moſt perfect maxims of the goſpel. For this pur-
pole he gave himſelf up to the conduct of Ignatius:
and the direction of fo enlightened a guide mage the
> -
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a6 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec. 3
paths of perfection eaſy to him. From his new maſtet
he learned that the firſt ſtep in his converſion was to
ſubdue his predominant paſſion, and that vain - glory was
his moſt dangerous enemy. His main endeavours there -
fore were bent from that time to humble himſelf, and
confound his pride. And well knowing that the inte-
rior victory over our own heart and its paſſions is not to
be gained without mortifying the fleſh, and bringing
the ſenſes into ſubjection, he undertook this conqueſt by
haircloth, faſting and other auſterities.
When the time of the vacancy was come in 1525,
he performed St. Ignatius's ſpiritual exerciſes : in which
rod! pin his fervour that he paſſed four days without
taking any nouriſhment, and his mind was taken up day
and night in the contemplation of heavenly things. By
theſe meditations which ſunk deep into his ſoul, he was
wholly changed into another man, in his deſires, affec-
tions and views; fo that afterward he did not know him-
ſelf, and the humility of the croſs appeared to him more
amiable than all the glories of this world. In the moſt
profound ſentiments of compunction he made a general
confeſlion, and formed a deſign of glorifying God by all
poſſible means, and of employing his whole life for the
ſalvation of ſouls. The courſe of philoſophy which he
read, and which had laſted three years and a half, ac-
cording to the cuſtom of thoſe times, being completed,
by the counſel of Ignatius, he entered on the ſtudy of
divinity. In 1534, on the feaſt of the Aſſumption of
our Lady, St. Ignatius and his fix companions, of whom
Francis was one, made a vow at Montmartre to viſit the
Holy Land, and unite their labours for the converſion of
the infidels; or if this ſhould be found not practicable,
to caſt themſelves at the feet of the pope, and offer their
ſervices wherever he thought fit to employ them. Three
others-afterward joined theſe ſix, and having ended theit
ſtudies the year ftloving, theſe nine companions depart-
ed from Paris upon the 15th of November, in 1530, '0
go to Venice, where St, Ignatius had agreed to meet
them from Spain. They travelled all through Germs:
ny, on foot, loaded with their writings, in the midit ©
winter, which that year was very ſharp and cold. N-
pee. 3. 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 21
vier to overcome his paſſions, and puniſh himſelf for
the vanity he had formerly taken in leaping, (for he wag
very active, and had been fond of ſuch corporal exer-
ciſes) in the fervency of his ſoul, had tied his arms and
thighs with little cords, which by his travelling ſwelled
his . thighs, and funk ſo deep into the fleſh, as to be
hardly viſible. The faint bore the pain with incredible
patience till he fainted on the road, and not being able
to go any farther was obliged to diſcover the reaſon; His
companions carried him to the next town, where the
ſurgeon declared that no inciſions could be ſafely made
deep enough, and that the evil was incurable, In this
melancholy ſituation Faber, Laynez, and the reſt ſpent
that night in prayer, and the next morning Xavier
found the cords broken out of the fleſh. The holy
company joined in actions of thankigiving to the Al-
mighty, and cheerfully purſued their journey, in which
Xavier ſerved the reſt on all occaſions, being always be-
forchand with them in the duties of charity. They ar-
nved at Venice on the 8th. of January 1537, and were
much comforted to meet there St. Ignatius, by whoſe
direction they divided themſelves to. ſerve the poor in
two hoſpitals in that city, whilſt they waited for an op-
portunity to embark for Paleſtine. ”— ——_
_ Xavier who was placed in the hoſpital of the incura-
bles, employed the day in dreſſing the ſores of the ſick,
in making their beds, and ſerving them in meaner of-
tices, and paſſed whole nights in watching by them. It
was his delight chiefly to attend thoſe who were ſick of
contagious diſtempers, or infected with loathſome ul-
ders. Amongſt theſe one had an ulcer which was hor-
nble to the ſight, and the noiſomeneſs of the ſtench
we yet more inſupportable. Every one ſhunned him,
Xavier found a great repugnance in himſelf when
he firſt approached him. Bur reflecting that the occa-
lon of making a gzeat facrifice was too precious to be
loſt, he embraced the lick perſon, applied his mouth to
ulcer, and ſucked out the purulent matter. At the
** moment his repugnance vaniſhed; and by this
Rn victory over himſelf he obtained the grace that
'om that time no ulcers, how filthy and fetid ſoever,
22 8. FRANCIS XA VIER, c. Dec. 3
cauſed in him any loathing, but rather a ſweet devotion:
of ſo great importance it is to us, once to have tho-
roughly overeome ourſelves, and overthrown the proud
Want of ſenſuality, or vanity, whilſt remiſs acts per-
rmed with floth, unwillingneſs and a falſe delicacy, m-
ther fortify than variquiſh/the enemy. And it is more
the reſolution of the will than the action itſelf that ſub-
dues him, TWO months had paſſed away in theſe ex-
erciſes of charity, when St. Ignatius, who ſtaid behind
alone at Venice, ſent his companions to Rome to aſk the
bleſſing of his Holineſs Paul III. for their intended voy-
age. The pope granted thoſe among them who were
not in holy orders, a licenſe to receive them at the hands
of any catholic biſhop. Upon their return to Venice,
Xavier was ordained prieſt upon St. John Baptiſt's day
in 1537, and they all made vows of chaſtity" and po-
verty before the pope's nuncio. Xavier retited to a vil-
lage about four miles from Padua, where, to prepare
himſelf for ſaying his firſt maſs, he fpent forty days in
a poor ruined abandoned cottage, expoſed to all the in-
juries of the weather, lay on ground, faſted. rigot-
ouſly, and ſubſiſted on what ſcraps of bread he begged
from door to door. St. Ignatius having cadſed all his
N to reſort to Vicenza, Xavier after this retreat
repaired thither, and ſaid there his firſt maſs mithi tears
flowing in ſuch abundance, that his audience could not
refrain from mixing their own with his. By order uf
St. Ignatius he applied himſelf to the exerciſes of cha.
rity and devotion at Bologna, to the great edification ef
that city. The houfe in which he there dwelt as poor
man, was afterward given to the Society, and converted
into an oratory of great devotion. n
In Lent, in 1538, our faint wus called by St. Ignatius
to Rome, where the fathers aſſembled together to deli
berate about the foundation of their Order, and ther
conſultations were accompanied with fervent prayers
tears, watchings, and penitential auſterities, which they
rage with a moſt ardetit defire of pleaſing our Loid
alone, and of ſeeking in all things his 21 glory and
the good of ſouls. After waiting a Whole year to find
an opportunity of paſſing into Paleſtine, and finding the
ec. 3.
tion:
e tho-
proud
per-
J
more
t ſub-
ſe Ex»
xehind
ſk the
] voy-
) were
hands
enice,
's day
1d po-
1 vil.
repare
ays in
he in-
rigot-
egged
all his
retreat
1 tears
1d not
der of
fecha ·
tion ef
a poor
vetted
ius
7 27
d their
rayers,
h they
T Lon
ry an
9 find
ng the |
per. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 23
execution of that deſign impracticable on account of
the war between the Venetians and the Turks, St. Ig
natius and his company offered themſelves to his holi-
neſs to be employed as he ſhould judge moſt expedient
in the ſervice of their neigibour. The pope accepted
their offer, and ordered them to preach and inſtruct in
Romei till he ſhould otherwiſe employ them. St. Fran-
eis exerciſed his functions in the church of St. Laurence
in Damd/o/ in which he appeared fo active that no one
diſtinguiſhed himſelf by | 3 more ardent charity, or a
more edifying zeal. Govea, a Portugueſe, 3
preſident of the college of St. Barbara at Paris, hap-
pened to be then at Rome, whither John III. king of
Portugal had ſent him on ſome important buſineſs. He
bad formerly knoun Ignatius, Xavier, and Faber at
Paris, and been a great admirer of their virtue; and
he became more ſo at Rome, inſomuch that he wrote to
dis maſter, that men ſo learned, humble, charitable, in-
flamed with zeal, indefatigable in labour, lovers of the
crols, and who aimed at nothing but the honour of God,
were fit to be ſent to plant the faith in the Eaſt-Indies.
The king wrote thereupon to Don Pedro Maſcaregnas,
his ambaſſador at Rome, and ordered him to obtain fix
of theſe apoſtolic men for this miſſion. St. Ignatius
could grant him only two, and pitched upon Simon Ro-
driguez, a Portugueſe, and Nicholas Bobadilla, a Spa-
mard. The former went immediately by ſea to Liſbon:
la, who! waited to accompany the ambaſſador,
fell ficky and by ac:oyer-ruling iupernatural direction,
Fnncis Xavier was ſuhſtituted in his room, on the day
before the ambaſſador began his journey. Our ſaint
received this ordet with jay, and when he went to aſk
the benediction of Paul 111; :there ſhone through a pro-
found Humility ſuch a magpanimiry of ſonl, chat his
holineſs took from thence a certain preſage of the
wonderful events. which: followed. The faint left Rome
vith the ambaſſador. on the 1.5th of Match 1540, and
on the road found perpetual occaſions for- the moſt he-
ioc actions of humility, mortification, charity, zeal
and piety, and was always ready to ſerve his fellow-
uavellers in the meaneſt offices; as if he had been eve-
24 s. FRANCIS XAVIER, o. Dee. 3
ry body's ſervant. The journey was performed all the
way by land, over the Alps and Pyreneans, and took
up more than three months. At Pampelona the am-
baſſador preſſed the ſaint to go to the caſtle of Xavier,
which was but a little diſtant from the road, to take
leave of his mother who was yet living, and of his other
friends, whom he would probably never more ſee in this
world. But the ſaint would by no means turn out of
the road, ſay ing, that he deferred the ſight of his rela-
tions till he ſhould viſit them in heaven; that this tran-
ſient view would be accompanied with melancholy and
ſadneſs, the products of laſt farewels; whereas their
meeting in heaven would be for eternity, and without
the leaſt allay of ſorrow. This wonderful diſengage-
ment from the world — affected da
who by the ſaintly example and inſtructions of the
man was converted to a new courſe of life.
They arrived at Liſbon about the end of June, and
Francis went immediately to F. Rodriguez who was
lodged in an hoſpital, in order to attend and inſtruct
the ſick. They made this place their ordinary abode,
but catechized and inſtructed in moſt parts of the town,
and were taken up all Sundays and Holydays in hearing
confeſſions at court; for the king and a great number of
the courtiers were engaged by p An diſcourſes to confeſs
and communicate every week; which they choſe to do
at their hands. F. Rodriguez was retained by the king
at Liſbon ; and St, Francis was obliged to ſtay there
eight months while the fleet was getting ready to fail in
ſpring. Dr. Martin d'Azpilcueta, commonly called the
doctor of Navarre, who was uncle to Xavier by the
mother's ſide, was then chief profeſſor of divinity at
Coimbra, and wrote ſeveral letters to _— *
could not engage him to go to Coimbra. St. Franc
when he lofi Berna, put — in the hands of F.
Laynez, in which he declared chat he approved the rules
which ſnould be drawn up by Ignatius, and conſecrated
himſelf to God by the vows of poverty, chaſtity and
obedience, in the ſociety of Jeſus, when it ſhould be
confirmed as a religious Order by the apoſtolic fee. At
Liſbon, before he went n the king delivered to
Dec. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER,'C. 0
him four briefs from the pope; in two of which his ho-
lineſs conſtituted Xavier apoſtolic: nuncio, with ample
power and authority: in the third he recommended him
to David, emperor of Ethiopia; and in the fourth, to
other princes in the Eaſt. No importunities of the king
or his officers could prevail on the faint to accept of
any proviſions or neceſſaries, except a few books for the
uſe of converts. Nor would he conſent to have a ſer-
vant, ſay ing that as long as he had the uſe of his two
hands he never would take one. When he was told that
it would be unbecoming to ſee an apoſtolic legate dreſ-
ling his own victuals, and waſhing his own linen on the
deck, he ſaid he could give no ſcandal ſo long as he did
no ill. The faint had two companions to the Indies, F.
Paul de Camarino, an Italian Jeſuit, and Francis Man-
lilla, a Portugueſe, who was not yet in prieſt's Orders.
F. Simon Rodriguez bore them company to the fleet:
and then it was that St. Francis embracing him, ſaid,
that at Rome in the hoſpital, he once 'beheld, whether
lleeping or waking he knew not, all that he was to ſuffer
for the glory of | Jeſus Chriſt:: and that he thence con-
ceived fo great a delight in ſufferings, that he cried out
aloud: Vet more, O Lord, yet more.” Which words
this F. Rodriguez, who was then in the ſame chamber,
heard; and had often preſſed him to explain the mean-
ing of, This the faint did upon his taking leave, add-
ing: I hope the divine goodneſs will grant me in In-
dia what he has foreſnewn to me in Italy“. |
The faint ſet fail on the 9th of April, in the year
1541, the thirty-fixth of his age, on board the admi-
al's veſſel, which carried Don Martin Alfonſo de Souſa,
general governor of the Indies, who went with five ſhips
io take poſſeſſion” of his government. The admiral's
veſſel contained at leaſt a thouſand perſons, whom Fran-
eis conſidered as committed to his care. He catechized
the ſailors, preached every Sunday before the mainmaſt,
took care of the ſick, converted his cabin into an infir-
mary, lay on the deck, and lived on charity during the
vile voyage, though the governor was very urgent
with him to eat at his table, or accept of a regular
lupply of food from his kitchen; but he always anſwer-
26 $. FRANCIS XAVIER,'C. Dec. y
ed, that he was a poor religious man, and that having
made-a vow of poverty he was reſolved to keep it. He
indeed received the diſhes which the governor ſent him
from his table; but divided the meat among thoſe who
had moſt need. He compoſed differences, quelled mur-
murings, checked ſwearing and gaming, and took the
utmoſt care to remove all diſorders. Bad actions he re-
oved with ſo much authority that no body reliſted
im, and with ſo much ſweetneſs and tender love that
no one was offended at him. The inſufferable colds of
Cape Verd, the heats of Guinea, the ſteuch of the freſh
waters, and the putrefaction of their fleſh proviſions
under the Line, produced peſtilential fevers, and vio-
tent ſcurvies. After five months of perpetual navigation,
and doubling the Cape of Good Hope, they arrived at
Mozambique, on the eaſtern coaft of Africa, about the
end of Auguſt, and there they wintered The inha-
bicants are moſtly Mahometans, and trade with the A-
rabs and Ethiopians; but the Portugueſẽ have ſettlements
among them. The air is very unwholeſome, and Xa-
vier himſelf fell ſick there: but was almoſt recovered
when the admiral again put to ſea in a freſh velle!
which made better ſail; on the 15th of March, in 154%
In three days they arrived at Melinda, a town of the
Saracens, in Africa, where one of the principal inhabit-
ants complained to Xavier that ſo little ſenſe of religion
was. leſt among them that of ſeventeen moſques whicl
they had, fourteen were quite forſaken, and the three
that remained were little frequented, - Leaving this place,
after a few days fail they touched at the iſſe of Socotora,
_ over-againſt the ftreight of Mecca, ' Thence croſſing
the ſea of Arabia and India they landed at Goa on the
both of May, in 1542, in the thirteenth month ſince their
ſetting out from Liſbon. | Raz! ts
After St. Francis was landed he went immediately to
the hoſpital, and there took his lodging: but would nat
emer upon his miſſionary functions till he had paid Ins
reſpects to the biſhop of Goa, (a) whoſe name was John
{a) The Por ſe, in 1418, under the direction of prince *
ry, faith' ſon to John I. king of Portugal, began the born f
Dee: 4 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, c.
27
Albuquerque, and who was a moſt virtnous .
The faint preſented to him the briefs of Paul HI. de-
dared that he pretended not to uſe them without his
Madeira, and ſeveral other iſlands which lie on the weſtern coaſt of
Africa, and made ſome ſmall fertlements in Guinea. Emmanuel the
Great, who ſucceeded his father lohn II. in the throne, in 1495,
and died in 1521, nominated Vaſco de Gama his admiral, to find a
paſſage to the Eaſt-Indies by fea, with which no commerce was then
n but through Egypt or Perſia. By his encouragement Americus
Veſpuius diſcovered Brazil in America, in 1497, where Columbo had
firſt fallen upon Guanahani, one of the Toy illands, in 1492.
Gama doubled the Cape of Good Hope in 1498, diſcovered the coaſt
of Mozambique, and the city of Melinda upon the coaſt of Zan-
quebar in Africa, and thence failed to Calicut in the Eaſt-Indies. He
made an alliance with the king of Calicut, who afterward became a
Chriſtian, Gama made farther diſcoveries, and great acquifitions
and conqueſts. In 1507, Alnieyda was appointed the firſt Portu-
gueſe viceroy in thoſe parts. Alfonſo d' Albuquerque, his moſt ſuc-
ceſsful and prudent general ſucceeded him in 1 09, and governed the
Indies till his death in 1515. Having taken 88 in 15 10, he en-
larged and fort fied it, and made it the Portugueſe capital in the In-
dies John III. ſurnamed the Pious, ſucceeded his father Emma-
duel in the throne of Portugal, in 1521, and inherited all bis virtues,
elpecially his piety and zeal for religion; but was a ſtranger to many
wuflices committed by ſeveral of his governors and generals in the
Indies, The brit niſffanaries or chaplains who attended the Portu-
dueſe in the Indies were Franciſcans, with a biſhop who was an apoſ-
tolic vicar, The governor Alfonſo d' Albuquerque procured an epiſ-
COpal ſee to be edel at Goa, and John d' Albuquerque, a Franciſ-
can, was the firſt biſhop. The ſee of Goa was afterward raiſed to
metropolitical dignity, when other biſhoprics were ereQted in
thoſe parts; viz, thole of Cochin and Malacca, in 1592, that of Me-
1apor, in 1607, -&c. A zealous officer in the army named Antony
lvan, founded a ſeminary in the Molucca iſlands, which was a mo-
| of another ſoon after erected at Goa in 1 540.
The old Chriſtians of St, Thomas or of Malabar in thoſe parts were
hiefly Neſtoriang, obeyed the patriarch of Babylon, and uſed the
dyriae language in their liturgy. They inhabited an hundred and
forty villages, had an hundred and twenty-ſeven churches, and amount-
ed t0 the number of about twenty-two thouſand ſouls. Vincent
ouvea, a Pranciſcan, who went to the Indies with John d' Albu-
querque, firſt biſhop of Goa, had many conſerences with the Chriſ-
dans of St, Thomas, and many of them came over to the catholic
communion ; others continued obſtinate, and fince the Dutch are
2 of Cochin, live under their protection. See Gouvea Jornada
o arFobiſpo de Goa, &c. p. 6. Raulinus, Hiſt. Malabar, Joſ. Affe-
gane Dif. de Syris Neſtorianis, Lettres edihcant. Recu. I. 12. p. 383,
derts Relation to the Congr. de Propaganda. The "Malabar o_
vw
|
|;
: — J * =
1 r F
<=
Dec, Ko
approbation, and caſting himſelf at his feet begged his
bleſſing. The biſhop was ſtruck with the venerable air
of ſanctity that appeared in his countenance and deport-
28 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, c.
which ſome have been deſirous to connive at, out of condeſcenſion
to certain Gentiles on the coaſt of Malabar, conſiſted in the omiſſion
of ſome of the ceremonies, of baptiſm ; the deferring baptiſm of in-
fants ; women keeping the Tally on which was an image of an idol
called Pyllajar, and uſing a cord of an hundred and eight ftrings:
the refuſing to afford certain leſs eſſential ſpiritual ſuccours to the
Parei (a deſpicable ſervile rank of men) at their own houſes ; chriſ-
tian muſicians playing in the temples of idols or at their feaſts;
forbidding women the uſe of the ſacraments under certain infirmi-
ties, &. Which connivance and toleration was condemned by car-
dinal Tournon, under Clement XI. by Benedict XIII. in 1727, Ce-
ment XII. in 1739, and moſt ſevercly by Benedict XIV. in 1744,
who yet allow particular prieſts to be deputed to attend the Pare
alone, and others to ſerve the nobility.
The infidels on this coaſt were in our apoſtle's time, py Ma-
hometars, partly Indian ſects, and partly a remnant of the Perſian
idolaters. The Pattan Arabs, who were Mahometans, Conquered
Indoftan, but many years after were vanquithed by Gingiſchan, a
Tartar, about the year 1200. That prince profeſſed the religion
which is followed by the great ones and the | Same men of China,
worſhipping Tien as the ſovereign being : but his poſterity embraced
the eſtabliſhed Mahometaniſm of the country. One of theſe made
great conqueſts in Perſia, took Bagdat, and flew Motazen, the la
racen Caliph, or vicar of Mahomet, in whom that religious dig-
nity was extinguiſhed. Tamerlane, a Mahometan Tartar, extended.
his 7 3 towards India in 1402, and one of his ſons with an ar-
my of Mongul Tartars conquered Indoſtan in 1420: whence the
name of Mogul. Theſe took up the Mahometan religion. One of
theſe Moguls, deſcendants of Tamerlane, named Aureng-zed, who
died in 1707, conquered Decan, Viſapour, Golcond, and almoſt all
the peniafals on this ſide the Ganges. See Rernier's Hiſtory of Aureng:
zeb, and Catrou's Hiſtoire du Mogol, Since Kouli Khan the Perſian
almoſt ruined the Mogul by his conqueſts, the original Indians called
Marattas have ſhook off the yoke of the Great Mogul. ds
The Marattas are fo called from the title of Mar-Rajab, which 1
ven to the king of the moſt werful tribe org them, The
& of ſmaller tribes are called Rajahs. Among this people Ihe
Mahometan remains of the Pattan Arabs, &c. live unmoleſted ; but
chiefly occupy the mountains and faſtneſſes into which they retire
from the conquerors. The ſame is the conditiop of the Parſees in
theſe parts, or thoſe Perſians who left their country upon the coming
of the Arabs, and ſome of them till retain in India the Magian ke
ligion. though much adulterated. | i! of
The Marattas are the original Indian inhabitants, and are 4 *
the Gentoo religion ; fo called from Gentio, the Portugueſe wy
C. Jo
d his
e air
port-
enfion
niſſion
of in-
n idol
trings:
o the
chriſ-
feaſts ;
nhrmi-
y Care
„ Cle-
17449
Parei
y Ma-
erſian
quered
han, 2
religion
China,
abraced
ſe made
the lak
Dus dig
xtended _-
h an ar-
nce the
One of
b, who
moſt all
Aureng*
: coming
igian re”
Dec. 3. 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. 29
ment, raiſed him up, kiſſed the briefs, and promiſed to
ſupport him by his epiſcopal authority; which he failed
not to do. To call down the bleſſing of heaven on his
labours, St. Francis conſecrated moſt of the night to
prayer. The fituation in which religion then was in
thoſe parts, was ſuch as. called forth his zeal and his
tears. Among the Portugueſe, revenge, ambition, ava-
rice, uſury and debauchery ſeemed to have extinguiſh-
ed in many the ſentiments of their holy religion; the
for Gentiles or idolaters. Moſt of theſe Indian Gentiles believe a
tranſmigration of ſouls z which doQrine Pythagoras is ſuppoſed to
have learned from them. Their idols are of various kinds. Their
Bramins are thought to be the ſucceſſors of the Bracmans : they are
called Butts, from their idols, of which that is the name. The
touch no animal food: are very healthy, but not ſtrong bodied : their
talte and other ſenſes are much quicker than in men who eat much
fleſh, Several Indian tribes live almoſt altogether on rice and vege-
tables. The wiſdom of the Bramins is famed : their ſkill admirable
in ſecret remedies of many diſeaſes. They have many ſine moral
precepts: but adopt many monſtrous abſurdities, as the thouſand
torms under which the god Wiſtuow is pretended to have appeared
(their pagods or idols being in as many phantaſtical ſhapes), the wars
of the god Ram, the virtues of the cow Camdoga, &c. It is a miſ-
take that the Bramins are the gymnoſophiſts of the ancienis : theſe
are the Gioghi, who till pray almoſt naked, torture themſelves out
of vanity and ſuperſtition, and wander in foreſts, pretending to aſſi-
duous contemplation. (See Groſe's Travels.) Some of the Genioos
in Hither India worſhip cows, and annex ſanQity to whatever comes
m that animal, purify themſelves with its urine, burn its excre-
ments into a powder, with which they ſprinkle their forcheads and
breaſts, and beſmear their houſes with its dung. It is ſaid they would
fooner kill their parents or children than a cow. The Banians feed
birds, inſcQs, ſerpents, and other living creatures with the utmoſt
care, tenderneſs and ſuperſtition. In this variety of whimſical reli-
ons, we cannot but deplore the blindneſs of the human under-
landing deſtitute of the light of divine faith, whilſt we remark in
em not the cure, but the bent and gratification of the moſt yio-
lent and ſubtle paſſions, and at the ſame time fo ſtrong an inborn
entiment of _— that the mind of men rather embraces the moſt
abſurd and falſe religion than none at all, See Lafiteau's Hiſtoire
conquetes des Portuguais dans les Indes, &c. in two volumes, 4to.
(a work which falls much ſhort of the author's reputation). The
rn } Ciceronian Latin hiſtory ot India by the biſhop Jerom Oſoria;
1 of che Jeſuit Maffei, almoſt equal to the former in elegance of
em point of facts are little more than abſtracts of the accurate
1 hiſtory of John de Barros on the ſame ſubject. See alſo
ortugueſe Alia, in 4 Tomes, by Manuel de Faria y Souſa, |,
Y f - * * — 6 K 4
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30 8 . FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec. 3. Dee
facraments were neglected : there were not four preach- tear
ers in all the Indies: nor any prieſt without the walls of con
Goa. The biſhop's exhortations and threats were de- tion
ſpiſed, and no dam was ſufficient to ſtem ſuch a deluge, juſt]
The infidels reſembled rather beaſts than men, and the or le
few who were come over to the faith, not being ſup- T
ported by competent inſtructions, nor edified by exam- com
ple, relapſed into their ancient manners and ſuperſtiti- that
ons. Such was the deplorable ſituation of thoſe coun- whic
tries when St. Francis Xavier appeared among them as nar
a new ſtar to enlighten fo many infidel nations. 80 *
powerful was the word of God in his mouth, and ſuch time
the fruit of his zeal, that in the ſpace of ten years he coure
eſtabliſhed the empire of Jeſus Chriſt in a new world, to be
Nothing more ſenſibly afflicted him at his arrival at Goa their
than the ſcandalous deportment of the Chriſtians who
lived in direct oppoſition to the goſpel which they pro-
feſſed, and by their manners alienated the infidels from
the faith : he therefore thought it would be beſt: to open
his miſſion with them. In order to compaſs a general
reformation he began by inſtructing them in the princi-
ples of religion, and forming the youth to the practice
of ſincere piety. Having ſpent the morning in afliſting
and comforting the diſtreſſed in the hoſpitals and pri-
ſons, he walked through all the ſtreets of Goa with 4
bell in his hand, ſummoning all maſters, for the love of
God, to ſend their children and ſlaves to catechiſm.
The liitle children gathered together in crowds about -
bim, and he led them to the church, and taught them
the creed and practices of devotion, and impreſſed on
their tender minds ſtrong ſentiments of piety and reli-
gion. By the modeſty and devotion of the youth the
: hole town began to change its face, and the moſt aban-
doned ſinners began to bluſh at vice. After ſome time
the ſaint preached in public, and made his viſits to pft,
vate houſes: and the ſweetneſs of his behaviour and
words, and his charitable concern for the ſouls of his
neighbours were irreſiſtible. Sinners were ſtruck with
the horror of their crimes, and throwing themſelves a0
bis feet confeſſed them with bitter compunction of heat
and the fruits of penitence Which accompanied wy
Dee. 3 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 3t
tears, were the certain proofs of the ſincerity of their
converſions. Uſurious bonds were cancelled, reſtitu-
tion was made of unjuſt gains, flaves who had been un-
juſtly acquired were ſet at liberty, concubines diſmiſſed
or lawfully married, and families were well regulated.
The reformation of the whole city of Goa was ac-
compliſhed in half a year, when the ſaint was informed
that on the coaſt of La Peſcaria, or The Pearl Fiſhery,
which is extended from cape Comorin to the iſle Ma-
nar, on the eaſtern ſide of the Peninſula, there were
certain people called Paravas, that is, Fiſhers, who ſome
time ago, in order to pleaſe the Portugueſe who had ſuc+
coured them againſt the Moors, had cauſed themſelves
to be baptized, but for want of inſtructions retained
their ſuperſtitions and vices, Xavier had by this time
got a little acquaintance with the Malabar language,
which is ſpoke on that coaſt, and taking with him two
young eccleſtaſtics who underſtood it competently well,
embarked in October, in 1542, and failed to cape Co-
morin, which faces the iſle of Ceylon, and is about fix
hundred miles from Goa, Here St. Francis went into a
village full of idolaters, and preached Jeſus Chriſt to
them: but the inhabitants told him they could not
change their rehgion without the leave of their lord.
Their obſtinacy, however, yielded to the force of mira-
des by which God was pleaſed to manifeſt his truth to
them, A woman who had been three days in the pains
of childbirth, without being eaſed by any remedies or
prayers of the Brachmans, was immediately delivered,
and recovered upon being inſtructed in the faith, and
baptized by St. Francis, as he himſelf relates in a letter
to St. Ignatius. (1) Upon this miracle not only that
family, but moſt of the chief perſons of the country
liſtened to his doctrine, and heartily embraced the faith,
ung obtained the leave of their prince. The ſervant
God proceeded to the Pearl Coaſt, ſer himſelf firſt to
inſtruct and confnm thoſe who had been formerly bap-
ed; and to ſucceed in his undertaking he was at ſome
Pans to make himſelf more perfectly maſter of the Ma-
tongue. Then he preached to thoſe Paravas to
(2) S. Fr. Xavier, I. 1. ep. 4- P. 31.
]
DT — — — — — — 3d
— ¶ ; oat. <td.
1 _ XY — 7 * . - K 3 A 7 * 1
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22
_— MI 1
32 S. FRANCIS. XAVIER, C. Dee. 3,
whom the name of Chriſt was till that time unknoun;
and fo great were the multitudes which he baptized that
ſometimes by the bare fatigue of adminiſtering that ſa-
crament he was ſcarce able to move his arm, according
to the account which he gave to his brethren in Europe.
To make the children comprehend and retain the cate-
chiſm, he taught them to recite with him ſome little
prayer upon each queſtion or article. Every leſſon or
inſtruction he began with the Our Father, and ended
with the Hail Mary. Diſeaſes ſeem to have been never
ſo frequent on that coaſt as at that time: which hap-
pened as if it had been to drive the moſt obſtinate in
ſpite of their reluctance into the fold of the church: for
the people had almoſt all recourſe to St. Francis for their
cure, or that of ſome friend; and great numbers reco-
vered their health either by being baptized, or by invok-
ing the name of Jeſus. The faint frequently ſent ſome
young neophyte with his crucifix, beads or reliquary to
touch the ſick, after having recited with them the Lord's
Prayer, Creed and Commandments; and the ſick by
declaring unfeignedly that they believed in Chriſt, and
deſired to be baptized, recovered their health. This
great number of miracles, and the admirable innocence,
zeal and ſanctity of the preacher, recommended him to
the veneration of the Bramins themſelves, who were the
philoſophers, divines and prieſts of the idolaters. Thele,
nevertheleſs, upon motives of intereſt oppoſed his doc-
trine: and neither his conferences nor his miracles could
gain them. The proceſs of the faint's canonization
makes mention of four dead perſons, to whom God re-
ſtored life at this time, by the miniſtry of his ſervan!.
The firſt was a catechiſt who had been ſtung by a (cr-
pent of that kind whoſe ſtings are always mortal. The
ſecond was a child who was drowned in a pit, The third
and fourth a young man and maid whom a peſtilential
fever had carried off. Incredible were the labours of
the ſaint. His food was the ſame with that of the poor:
eſt people, rice and water. His ſleep was but three
hours a night at moſt, and that in a fiſher's cabin ont
ground: for he ſoon made away with a mattreſs 4
coverlet which the governor had ſent him from
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The remainder of the night he paſſed with God or with
his neighbour. In the midſt of the hurry of his exter-
nal employments, he ceaſed not to converſe interiorly
with God, who beſtowed on him ſuch an exceſs of inte-
rior ſpiritual delights, that he was often obliged to deſire
the divine goodneſs to moderate them; as he teſtified in
a letter to St, Ignatius, and his brethren at Rome, though
written in general terms, and in the third perſon. I
am accuſtomed,” ſays he, (2) © often to hear one la-
bouring in this vineyard, cry out to God: O my Lord,
give me not ſo much joy and comfort in this life : or if,
by an exceſs of mercy, thou wilt heap it upon me, take
me to thyſelf, and make me partaker of thy glory. For
he who has once in his interior feeling taſted thy ſweet-
nels, muſt neceſſarily find life too bitter ſo long as he is
deprived of the ſight of Thee.”
He had Jaboured about fifteen months in the conver-
lion of the Paravas, when toward the cloſe of the year
1543, he was obliged to return to Goa to procure aſſiſt-
ants, The ſeminary of the faith which had been found-
ed there for the education of young Indians was com-
mitted to his care, and put into the hands of the ſociety,
The ſaint enlarged it, and made prudent regulations for
the government and direction of the youth: and from
this time it was called the ſeminary of St. Paul. The
following year he returned to the Paravas with a ſupply
of evangelical labourers, as well Indians as Europeans,
whom he ſtationed in different towns; and ſome he car-
ried with him into the kingdom of Travancor, where,
& he teſtifies in one of his letters, he baptized 10,000
Indians with his own hand in one month; and ſome-
umes a whole village received the ſacrament of regene-
aun in one day. When the holy man firſt penettated
no the inland provinces of the Indians, being wholly |
'$1orant of the language of the people, he could only
baptize children, and ſerve the ſick, who by ſigns could
gnify what they wanted, as he wrote to F. Manſilla.
ſt he exerciſed his zeal in Travancor, God firſt
communicated to him the gift of tongues, according to
relation of a young Portugueſe of Coimbra, named
a)] Ep. 5. p. 80. Societati Romam.
ö
bt
14 s. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec. 4,
Vaz, who attended him in many of his journeys. He
ſpoke very well the language of thoſe Barbarians with-
out having learned it, and no need of an interpreter
when he inſtructed them. He ſometimes preached to
five or fix thouſand perſons together, in ſome fpacious
plain. The faint narrowly eſcaped the fnares which
were ſometimes laid by Bramins and others to take away
his life : and when the Badages, a tribe of ſavages and
public robbers, having plundered many other places,
made inroads into Travancor, he marched up to the
enemy with a crucifix in his hand, at the head of a
{mall troop of fervent Chriſtians, and with a command-
ing air bad them in the name of the living God not to
pats farther, but to return the way they came, His
words caſt ſuch a terror into the minds of the leaders
who were at the head of the barbarians, that they ſtood
ſome time confounded and without motion ; then retired
in diſorder, and quitted. the country. This action pro-
cured St. Francis the protection of the king of Travan-
cor, and the ſurname of the Great Father. As the
ſaint was preaching one day at Coulon, a village in Tra-
vancor, near Cape Comorin, perceiving that few were
converted by his diſcourſe, he made a ſhort prayer that
God would honour the blood and name of his beloved
Son by ſoftening the hearts of the moſt obdurate.
Then he bad ſome of the people open the grave of a
man who was buried the day before near the place where
he preached; and the body was beginning to putrify
with a noiſome ſcent, which he deſired the by-ſtanders
to obſerve. Then falling on his knees, after a ſhort
prayer, he commanded the dead man in the name
the living God to ariſe, At theſe words the dead man
aroſe, and appeared not only living, but vigorous and in
perfect health. All who were preſent were ſo ſtruck
with this evidence, that throwing themſelves at the ſaint?
feet they demanded baptiſm. - The holy man alſo raiſed
to life on the fame coaſt a young man who was a Chr
tian, whoſe corpſe he met as it was carried to the grave
To preſerve the memory of this wonderful action the
parents of the deceaſed who were preſent, erected 3
great croſs on the place where the miracle was wrought,
Der. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. 35
Theſe miracles made fo great impreſſions on the people
that the whole kingdom of Travancor was ſubjected to
Chriſt in a few months, except the king and ſome of
his courtiers.
The reputation of the miracles of St. Francis reached
the iſle of Manar, which ſent deputies to St. Francis,
intreating him to viſit their country. The faint could
not at that time leave Travancor, but ſent a zealous
miſſionary by whom many were inſtructed and baptized.
The king of Jafanatapan, in the northern part of the
neighbouring beautiful and pleaſant iſle of Ceylon, hear-
ing of this progreſs of the Kath, fell upon Manar with
an army, and flew fix or ſeven hundred Chriſtians,
who, when aſked the queſtion, boldly confeſſed Chriſt,
This tyrant was afterward flain by the Portugueſe when
they invaded Ceylon. The faint after he had made a
journey to Cochin upon buſineſs, viſited Mancar, and
ſettled there a numerous church : in a journey of devo-
tion which he took to Meliapor, to implore the inter-
ceſion of the apoſtle St. Thomas, he converted many
diſſolute livers in that place. Afterward intending to
paſs to the iſland of Macaſſar, he failed to Malacca, a fa-
mous mart, in the peninſula beyond the Ganges, to which
all the Indies, and alſo the Arabs, Perſians, Chineſe, and
Japonians reſorted for trade. The ſaint arrived here on
the 25th of September 1545, and by the irreſiſtible
force of his zeal and miracles reformed the debauched
manners of the Chriſtians, and converted many pagans
and Mahometans. This town had been lately poſſeſſed
by a tribe of the latter ſect, who had wreſted it from
the king of Siam: but Albuquerque had conquered it
mn 1511. St. Francis finding no opportunity of failing
to Macaſſar, paſſed to the iſles of Bonda, which are
lome of the ſpice iflands. Landing in the iſland of Am-
boina, he baptized great part of the inhabitants. Hav-
ng preached in other iſlands he made a conſiderable
ay m the Moluccas, and though the inhabitants were
in untractable people he brought great numbers to the
ruth. Thence he paſſed to the iſle del Moro, the in-
habitants of which he gained to Chriſt, In this miſſion
he red much; but from it wrote to St. Ignatius:
> 92
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|
|
1
{1
36 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, Co. Dec. 3.
„The dangers to which I am expoſed, and the pains !
take for the intereſt of God alone, are the inexhauſti-
ble ſprings of ſpiritual joys: inſomuch that theſe iſlands,
bare of all worldly neceſlaries, are the places in the world
for a man to loſe his ſight with the exceſs of weeping :
but they are tears of joy. I remember not ever to have
taſted ſuch interior delights; and theſe conſolations of
the ſoul are ſo pure, fo exquiſite, and fo conſtant, that
they take from me all ſenſe of my corporal ſufferings,”
The ſaint returning towards Goa viſited the iſlands on
the road where he had preached, and arrived at Malacca
in 1547. In the beginning of the year 1548, he land-
ed in Ceylon, where he converted great numbers, with
two kings.
At Malacca, a Japoneſe, named Angeroo, addreſſed
himſelf to the faint, Kaempſer tells us, that he had
killed a man in his own country, and to fave his life
made his eſcape on a Portugueſe ſhip. All agree that
he was rich and of a noble extraction, and about thirty-
five years of age; and that being diſturbed in mind with
remorſe and terrors of conſcience he was adviſed by cer-
tain Chriſtians to have recourſe to the holy St. Francis
for comfort. The ſaint poured the mildeſt balm into
his wounded heart, and gave him aſſurances that he
ſhould find repoſe of mind, but muſt firſt ſeek God in
his true religion. The Japoneſe was charmed with his
diſcourſes, and as he had by that time acquired ſome
knowledge of the Portugueſe language, was inſtructed
in the faith, and engaged by St. Francis to embark with
his attendants and to go to Goa, whither he himſelf was
directing his courſe, but taking a round. In the ſtreights
of Ceylon the ſhip which carried the faint, was over-
taken with a moſt dreadful tempeſt, inſomuch that the
ſailors threw all their merchandize overboard, and the
pilot not being able to hold the rudder abandoned the
veſſel to the fury of the waves. For three days and
three nights, the mariners had nothing but death before
their eyes. St. Francis after hearing the confeſſions o
all on board, fell on his knees before his crucifix, and
continued there wholly taken up and loſt to all things
but to God, The ſhip at laſt ſtruck againſt the ſans
the fervour o
Dec. 3+ S.-FRANCIS XAVIER, C. 37
of Ceylon, and the mariners gave themſelves for loſt,
when Xavier coming out of his cabin, took the line and
plummet as if it had been to fathom the ſea, and letting
them down to the bottom of the water pronounced theſe
words: Great God, Father, Son and Holy Ghoſt,
have mercy on us.” At the ſame moment the veſſel
ſtopped, and the wind ceaſed. After which they pur-
ſued their voyage, and happily arrived at Cochin on the
21ſt of January, 1548. Writing from that place to the
fathers at Rome, he tells them, that in the height of
the tempeſt he had taken them and all devout perſons
on earth for his interceſſors with God, had invoked all
the ſaints and angels, going through all their orders, and
deſired particularly for his protectreſs and patroneſs, the
moſt holy Mother of God, and Queen of Heaven. He
adds, ** Having repoſed all my hope in the infinite me-
nts of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, being encom-
paſſed with this protection, I enjoyed a greater ſatisfac-
tion in the midſt of this raging tempeſt, than when I
was wholly delivered from the danger. In very truth,
being as I am, the worſt of all men, I am aſhamed to
have ſhed ſo many tears of joy, through an exceſs of
heavenly pleaſure, when I was juſt upon the point of pe-
riſhing. Inſomuch, that I humbly prayed our Lord,
that he would not free me from the danger of my ſhip-
wreck, unleſs it were to reſerve me for greater dangers,
to his own glory and for his ſervice. God has often
ſhewn me by an inward diſcovery, from how many pe-
nls and ſufferings he has delivered me by the prayers and
facrifices of thoſe of the ſociety.”
The faint leaving Cochin viſited the villages of the
coaſt of the Jean! fiſhery, and was much edified with
t
mapar, near cape Comorin, paſſed over to the iſle of
Ceylon, (where he converted the king of Cande) and
arnved at Goa on the 20th of March, 1548. There he
inſtructed Angeroo and many others, and took a reſolu-
uon to go to ; — In the mean time he applied him-
lf more than ever to the exerciſes of an interior life,
ait were to recover new ſtrength; for it is the cuſtom
of all apoſtolical men, by the communications which
he converts: he made ſome ſtay at Ma-
| houſes, 52, 169 bonzas or religious perfons, and 477,557
33 s. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec.;
they have with God, to refreſh themſelves, and repair
their interior ſpirit amidſt the pains which they take
with their neighbour. During this retirement, in the
garden of St. Paul's college, ſometimes walking, at
other times in a little hermitage which was there ſet up,
he cried out : © It is enough, my Lord; it is enough.”
And he ſometimes opened his caſſock before his breaſt,
_ declaring he was not able to ſupport the abundance of
heavenly conſolations. At the ſame time he ſignified
that he rather prayed that God would reſerve thoſe plea-
ſures for another time, and here would not ſpare to in-
flict on him any pains or ſufferings in this preſent world,
Theſe interior employments did not hinder him from
the labours of his miniſterial vocation, nor from ſuc-
couring the diſtreſſed in the hoſpitals and in the priſons
On the contrary, the more lively and ardent the love
of God was in him, the more 2 he was to bring it
forth, and kindle it in others. This charity cauſed him
often to relinquilh the delights of holy ſolitude. F. Gaſ-
E Barzia and four other Jeſuits arrived at that time at
oa from Europe, whom the faint ſtationed, and then
ſet out for Malacca, intending to proceed to Japan. Af-
ter a ſhort ſtay at Malacca, he went on board a Chineſe
veſſel, and arrived at Cangoxima, in the kingdom of
Saxuma, in Japan, on the 15th of Auguſt 1 549, hav-
ing with him Angeroo, who had been baptized with two
of his domeſtics at Goa, and was called Paul of the
holy faith. (5) ;
() The empire of the Japan, the moſt eaſtern part of Aſia, eon.
ſiſts of a cluſter of iſlands, the largeſt and principal of which is called
the Japoneſe Niphon, which in their language ſignifies the Eaſt of
Origin of the Sun. From the Chineſe name Gepwangue, that is, king-
dom of the riſing Sun, Europeans have formed the word Japan.
There are two other large iſlands, the one called Saikokf or Bungo,
the other Takoeſy, or Sikokf, The city of Meaco in Niphon 1s the
ancient capital of the empire; the Dairi till reſides there in a ſump-
tuous palace, and in it flouriſh the beſt manufactures and artiſans in
cloths, ſtaining liven, varniſhing, printing, working in gold, copp
ſteel, c. Kaempfer, in 1691, reckoned in Meaco 3893 Tira, or
temples of new or ſtrange divinities z 2117 Mia, or temples of t
original ancient divinities of Japan z 137 palaces, 87 bridges, 137879
510 Jay ry
\
Dec. 3 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. "9
The language of the Japoneſe ſeems, in the judg-
ment of Kaempfer, to be a primitive or original tongue;
for it has no affinity with other oriental languages,
beſides the officers of the Dairi, and a great number of ſtrangers,
theſe never being compriſed in the Artama or yearly regiſtry. Jeddo,
in the ſame iſle Niphon, is now grown far the largeſt city in the em-
pire, and is the reſidence of the Cubo or ſecular emperor ; but very
irregularly built. The cities of Ozacca in Niphon, and Nangaſaki in -
Saikokf are the chief places of trade. The empire of Japan is not
much inferior to that of China in riches, fruitfulneſs in ſome parts,
ſtatelineſs of buildings, and the culture of arts and ſciences. Yet
the Japoneſe ſeem to acknowledge a ſuperiorityg in the Chineſe ;
though Charleyoix attributes to the Japoneſe more fincerity, liveli-
neſs of genius, delicacy of ſentiment and taſte in magnificence. Ja-
pan was diſcovered by three Portugueſe thrown on the coaſt of Sai-
kokf by a ſtorm in 1542, and that nation ſoon ſet on foot a flouriſh-
ing trade thither, and made a ſettlement at Nangaſaki, in the prin-
cipality of Omura; and during almoſt a century carried thence im-
menſe treaſures before they were baniſhed in 1639. Since which
the very embaſſadors which the Portugueſe ſent to the Cubo in 1640
were beheaded by his order. The Dutch began to trade to Japan in
1609, and 1611 eſtabliſhed a factory at Firando, which in 1641 was
removed to Nangaſaki: but was ſoon after confined to the little iſland
of Deſima. Once a year the director of this factory is conducted to
Jeddo, when he carries an annual preſent to the Cubo. The Japo-
neſe are extremely ſuperſtitious, haughty, and ſhameleſsly abandoned
to all kind of incontinence: although their wives are very faithſul,
and ſtrictiy guarded, Their ſpirit of revenge, jealouſy and pride,
is inſupportable; yet their veracity, fidelity and conſtancy in ſuffer-
ing, are aſtoniſhing. Population would ſoon overſtock their land, if
wars, cruelty, and the moſt frequent practice of ſuicide, from a falſe
Principle of honour and a cool contempt of death, did not ſweep off
great numbers. Poor parents expoſe and murder their infant children,
and ſee them expire without changing their countenance. Their prin-
cipal food is rice, which in Japan is the beſt in the world: they add
roots and pulſe, but ſeldom eat any fleſh, to which many have an
abhorrence. Milk they deteſt, calling it a kind of white blood. They
drink tea at meals, and uſe a ſtrong liquor extracted from rice fer-
mented. They are exceſſively ceremonious, and fit on the ground
leaning backward on their heels, and croſs-legged. The Japoneſe
diſtinguiſh three dynaſties of their monarchs : the two firſt fabulous,
of the Chamis or gods of heavenly extraction, and of demigods. The
third dynaſty is allowed real, and begins in Syn-mu, whom Charle-
Ty places 600 years before Chriſt. This emperor was ſtyled Dairi.
Ihe family of Syn-mu, ſaid to be the moſt anctent ſovereign houſe
in the world, after having enjoyed both the throne and the ſovereign
Pielthogk, as reduced to the latter; it ſtill confirms and inſtals t
ubo ag-ever y ſucceſſion. Konjei the ſixty- ſixth Dairi, in 1142, ſee-
. ins
A - hs
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160
e
E 3
*
1%
£8
40 5. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dee. 3
though certain Chineſe terms are adopted in it. St. Fran-
cis learned certain elements of it from his convert during
his voyage, and ſtaid forty days at Cangoxima, lodging
ing his empire diſturbed with civil wars, created Joritomo general of
all his armies, who uſurped the ſovereign civil authority, yet acknow-
ledging a nominal dependence, which his ſucceſſors alſo did for the
ſpace of four centuries. The Jacatas or governors of provinces, had
before that time aſſumed the ſubordinate ſovereignty in their diſtrits,
and their ſucceſſors reigned as ſo many petty kings. This was the
ſituation of Japan when St. Francis preached there, But in 1585,
Fidejos, the twenty-ninth Seogon, or general, rebelled againſt Ooki-
matz, the 107th Dairi, ſhook off all dependence in civil affairs, took
the title of Taikoſama, or Great Lord, and compelled the Dairi to
confer on him that of Quambuku, or Quambacundono, i. e. regent.
But the ordinary title of Taikoſama, and his ſucceſſors is Cubo, or
Cuboſama, Cubo being the ancient title of the general of the militia
Taikoſama aboliſhed all the Jacatas or ſubordinate kings; from which
time the Cubos are abſolute monarchs of all Japan. The very title
of Jacatas is extinct: hereditary governors of provinces are now ſtyled
Daimio or lords: thoſe of ſmaller diſtricts Siomio; and theſe compoſe
the two firſt ranks of the nobility: the Tonoſama are governors of
imperial cities. Since the revolution completed by Taycoſama, the
Dairi, or Mikaddo, who is the deſcendent of Ookimatz, is only the
eccleſiaſtical emperor and high prieſt of the religion of Sintos ; enjoys
the chief authority in all logs miatters, and is treated with great
| honour even by the Cubo, ſerved with a kind of adoration, and
always carried about, not being ſuffered ever to touch the ground
leſt he ſhould be defiled by it. For his expences and pleaſures he en-
Joys the revenues of Meaco and its territory, and has a very nume-
rous court all of eccleſiaſtics ; but in it, ſays Kaempfer, there reigns a
ſplendid indigence.
There are in Japan twelve religious ſe&s of idolaters. The two.
rincipal are thoſe of the Sintoiits, or Camis, and the avec 7
Ihe firſt is the reigning religion: its profeſſors worſhip ſeven $
called Chamis, and five demigods, both whom they pretend to —
reigned in Japan ſeveral millions of years, and to compoſe the n
and ſecond dynaſties of their kings. Their temples are very nch,
filled with ornaments of gold, filver and braſs, and lofty pillars'of
' cedar. Tenſio-Dai- Dſin is the chief Chamis, the father and _
of their nation: his temple of Ixo, or lsje, in the province o :
name, is famous for pilgrimages, from which = the Dairi . 55
The Jammabus are religious perſons of auſtere ives, but add xy
unnatural luſt, who are alſo ſoldiers for the protection of their 55 >
Kaempfer will have the apoſtle of this religion in Japan, - 1
called Kooſi, to ha ve been Confucius, which cannot be, and 2
feſſes in another place that Confucius never left China. * rn
admit number leſs other gods; allow a ſtate of happineſs after deatn -
in a region above the heavens, but think little of another liſet =
Dec.
at P
tions
The
the \
cour.
and!
are m
devils,
pilgrii
and a
treme
its off
will x
wall 1
throw
are of
was a
ledge
Create
roic a
neithe
learne
Chriſt
of the
Chriſt
Other
low th
the CG
the L
The x
by thi
Minat
to the
nine
biſtor
a I'H;
Nos.
Tigue,
10W-
the
, had
ris,
s the
686,
95.
took
iri to
egent,
0, or
ulitia.
which
y title
ſtyled
mpoſe
ors of
a, the
ly the
enjoys
| great
n, and
ground
he en-
nume-
eigns a
be two
Iſdoiſts.
& death,
» and as
foxes
Dec. z. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 4
at Paul's houſe, whoſe wife, daughter and other rela-
tions he in the mean time converted and baptized.
The ſame language is uled all over the empire, but
the words are differently accented when addreſſed to
courtiers or perſons of rank, and when to merchants
and ſoldiers, and again differently to the vulgar. During
are moſt pernicious in that country, they believe their ſouls to be the
devils. The ſecond religion is called of Budſdo, (from Buhda, one of
the names which their Bramins give _—_ of Fotogues, (from
Fotoge, a generical name of any god). is is vrofeſſed by thoſe
hd adore Zaca, an ancient Indian legiſlator, Amida is the chief
d of this ſect as he is of the Indians who imagine him to have
Wiſtnow in his ninth apparition in a human ſhape. This ſect
is of Indian extraction. The Budſdoiſts adore Zaca or Siako, who
firſt eſtabliſhed the worſhip of Amida, and many other gods: they
believe the tranſmigration of ſouls from brutes into human bodies,
and an everlaſting heaven and hell for very good and bad human
ſouls after death; never kill any living creature or eat fleſh : have
pilgrimages, idols, temples, and various kinds of religious perſons
and anchorets, very auſtere in their manner of living, though ex-
tremely addicted to debauchery, Charlevoix relates, that the Budſdo-
its often murder themſelves in honour of their god Amida, hoping he
will receive their. ſouls: ſome drown themſelves in the ſea, others
wall themſelves. up in caverns to periſh with hunger, and others
throw themſelyes headlong into burning vulcanos : after which th
are often themſelves honoured as gods. The religion of the Sintoiſts
was allo very numerous in Japan; in this no divinities are acknow-
ledged but Lien, or the heaven, which they pretend to have been
created with the earth by In and Io: they extol ſuicide as the moſt he-
roic act of virtue; practiſe certain religious ceremonies, but have
neither temples nor idols. This religion is derived from that of the
learned in China; it is funk extremely ſince the perſecution of the
Chriſtians in Japan, the Sintoiſts baving placed an image of ſome god
of the country in their houſes that they might not be ſuſpeQed.to be
Chriſtians. - Certain ſeQs in Japan worſhip the ſuif, moon, apes and
ny beaſts; men deiſied, and fantaſtical idols. Some as in China, fol-
2 the religion of the Lamas of Thibet in Great Tartary, who worſhip
» Great Lama, a living man whom they imagine to be immortal;
tne Lamas ſubſtituting one who reſembles the former, when be dies.
of Bonza (the original of which is-not known) was given
be 8 to the prieſts and religious of many different deno-
minations of all idolatrous ſects in China and Japan; and ſometimes
he name
J the Talopians of Siam, &c. See F. Charlevoix, Hiſt. du Japan, in
vo 77 Kaempfer, phyſician to the Duich factory there, in his
a FI 2 Japan, in folio, and Hiſtoire Moderne pour ſervir de ſuite
zuſtoire ancienne de Rollin, Paris, in 1752, T. 2. Hiſt. de Japon-
nois. Abbe Roub 4 r —
rique, T. 1. p. 7 nes Hiſt. Gen. de VAfie,'de l' Afrique & de YAme
42 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dee. 3.
theſe forty days St. Francis by unwearied application,
made ſuch progreſs in it as to tranſlate into Japonian the
apoſtles Creed, and an expcſition of it which he had
compoſed, and which he got by heart in this language,
and then began to preach ; but was firſt introduced
by Paul to the king of Saxuma, whoſe reſidence was
ſix leagues from Cangoxima. Meeting with a moſt gra-
cious and honourable reception, he obtained the king's
leave to preach the faith to his ſubjects: of which he
made fo good uſe that he converted a great number,
Kaempfer pretends that he never ſpoke the language
perfectly ; but Charlevoix. from the original authors
of his life aſſures us, that he ſpoke it even with ele-
nce and propriety. The gift of tongues was a tran-
fen favour, He diſtributed copies of his expolition
of the Creed among his converts. (c) New miracles
e The Japoneſe write or print like the Chineſe from the top to
8 4 The page, and from the right hand to the left. The
ancient Japonian letters were ſo ſhapeleſs that this people has abo-
liſhed them, and makes uſe of the Chineſe alphabet : but the letters
are very differently accented and pronounced in Japan. It is pretend-
ed by many that the art of printing was practiſed in China, Japan
and the Eaſtern Tartary many ages ago, and they have books ſo old,
printed by words cut in boards of intire pages. But this is not pro-
perly the art of printing. Engraving letters on boards is at lealt a
old as Homer, and is proved by Fournier to have been in uſe through
every ſucceeding age. In the thirteenth century both cuts or images
and letters were printed, by being cut in wood on which afterward 3
thick ink was laid. M Schoepflin makes the mobility of the pe
to be an efſenrial part of printing: conſequently neither the oo
nor John Coſter of Harlem were printers, fince they only uſed boards
in which words were cut: the Dutch, who aſcribe the invention 0!
the typographic art to this Coſter, (whole true name was Ln
anſſon) produce no other proofs than books without n
7 whole pages engra ved or cut in wood. The ingenious | _—_
advances that the mobility of the types is not ſufficient, un — !
are caſt in metal: for St. Jerom ſpeaks of moveable types ma .
box and ivory. Upon this pripeiple he calls, not John Guttem 55
of Mentz, but Peter Scho the firſt inventor of the U roßent ;
art Iyithemius in his chronicle fays, that John of _—_ 14
gentleman who was a native of Mentz, but ſettled at Stra urg, :
out a great deal of money in this diſcovery, without making * 2 1
greſs, till he took Jobo Faſt or Fauſt, into partnerſhip. F _ p
ward made Peter Schoeffer his partner about the yeat 1457 — Lon
bim his daughte&n marriage. The firſt book that was print
origins
preatel
names
to that
diſco ve
the ſte
numbel
tables.
imperſe
oy fa
this pec
flls in
of the
their az
have be,
have ne
regulari!
nels of
travel]
lours uſe
to have
pears in
with whi
Y at
belliſhed
ble beau
Lydgate'
and fever
choiceſt |
were
ſuch p
lage of g
Tous wor
with the
merit of
c. 3.
tion,
the
had
age,
uced
was
gra-
ing's
h he
nber.
uage
thors
| ele-
tran-
ſition
racles
top to
erde
is abo-
letters
retend
Japan
ſo old,
ot pro-
leaſt as
hrough
images
— 1
e types
Chineſe
| boards
ntion ol
aurence
printed
Fournier
eſs they
made 0
rembe'g
graphic
der 85 4
rg, laid
any pro
| atter-
ind gave
d x came
ov!
confirmed his doctrine.
Dec. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 43
By his bleſſing a child's body
which was ſwelled and deformed, was made ſtraight
and beautiful : and by his prayers a leper was healed
out of their preſs by their joint labours, in 1459; this was Durandi
Rationale Divinorum O fficiorum. About the year 1462, this art was
propagated in France, Italy, England, &c. The letters which the
fir printers uſed were very beautiful, and repreſented with great ex-
actneſs the letters which were then uſed in writing. See Lambecius.
(bibl. Vindob. I. 2. p. 989.) Chevalier (Orig. de l' Imprim.) La
Calle (Hiſt. de Plmprim.) Ames (Hift. of printing), and eſpecially
the excellent diſſertations of M. Schoepflin, (Mem. de PAcad. des
laſctipt. vol. 17.) and M. Fournier (Diff. fur POrigine de Part de gra-
yer en bois, Paris 1758.) As the ſources of the largeſt rivers often
eſcape obſervation, becauſe ſmall and inconſiderable; ſo is the firſt
original of arts like that of empires and nations, obſcure. The
greateſt diſcoveries are uſually owing to hints given by others whoſe
names are forgot. The ſyſtem of univerſal gravitation was a key
to that of attraction, and was itſelf ſtruck out from former progreſſive
diſcoveries made of the laws of motion or nature. From logarithms
the ſtep was not large to fluxions ; and former progreſſive rules of
numbers opened the way to Lord Napier's difcovery of logarithmic
tables. The art of printing (as well as moſt other arts) is ſtill in a very
imperfe& ſtate in China: the improvements of that nation have
been falſely exaggerated by ſome moderns, and it is apparent that
this people, though more cultivated than the neighbouring nations,
falls in general far ſhort of the more poliſhed countries on this ſide
of the globe. We indeed juſtly admire the livelineſs and beauty of
their azure and other colours in painting ; but this invention muſt
have been the mere reſult of obſervation and experience, as our artiſts
have never been able to give them any taſte for proportions, and
regularity in their drawings: inftanced in that ſtupidity and flow-
nels of genius which thoſe Chineſe, who with their emperor's leave
travelled into Europe, have betrayed on all occafions.. The co-
lours uſed by our own anceſtars,, even in ages wherein genius ſeems
to have been leaſt cultivated, were far ſuperior to aurs: as ap»
pears in their painted glaſs, and in the beautiful painted figures
vith which the magnificent ancient copy of Froiſard in the king's li-
brary at Paris, and part in the Britiſh Muſzum at London, is em-
belliſhed in every part of each volume, repreſenting with admira-
die beauty the e. dreſſes and manners of that age; alſo in
Lydgate's life of St. Edmund, in the copy preſented to Henry VI;
and leveral prayer-books, &c. on vellum. The fineſt gold and the
choiceſt ſky-blue metallic particles of the hardeſt oriental. lapis-lazuli,
76 Vere not then 3 which are now thought too expenſive for
ach purpoſes. Vet every one will allow that this gives no ad van-
lage of genius to the monks, to whom we are indebted for thoſe cu-
nous works. In like manner the Chineſe may raife our admiration
vith the beauty of their eolours, but 'cannot therefore claim the
merit of genius.
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a s. FRANCOIS XAVIER, o. Der. ;
and a pagan young maid of quality that had been dead
a whole day, was raiſed to life.
After a year ſpent at Cangoxima, with his uſual ſuc-
ceſs, the faint in 1550, went to Firando, the capital of
another petty kingdom; for the king of Saxuma, in-
cenſed at the Portugueſe, becauſe they had abandoned
his port, to carry on their trade chiefly at Firando, had
withdrawn the licenſe he had granted the ſaint, and be-
gan to perſecute the Chriſtians. The converts, how-
ever, perſevered ſteady, and declared they were ready
.to ſuffer baniſhment or death rather than deny Chriſt :
and St. Francis recommended them to Paul, and left in
their hands an ample expoſition of the Creed, and the
Life of our Saviour, tranſlated entire from the golpels,
which he had cauſed to be printed in Japoneſe charac-
ters. He took with him his two companions, who were
Jeſuits, and carried on his back, according to his cuſ-
tom, all the neceſſary utenfils for the ſacrifice of the
maſs. The faint in his way to Firando preached in the
fortreſs of Ekandono, the prince of which was a vaſlal
to the king of Saxuma. The prince's ſteward embrac-
ed the faith with ſeveral others, and to his care Xavier
recommended the reſt at his departure; and he aſſem-
bled them daily in his apartments to recite with them
the litany and prayers, and on Sundays read to them the
chriftian doctrine: and fo edifying was the behaviour of
theſe Chriſtians that many others defired to join them,
after the departure of their apoſtle; and the king &
Saxuma moved by their edifying conduct became again
the protector of our holy religion. At Firando, Xavie!
baptized more infidels in twenty days than he had done
at Cangoxima in a whole year. Theſe converts he left
under the care of one of the Jeſuits that accompanied
him, and ſet out for Meaco with oor Jules and two Ja-
ponian Chriſtians. They went by ſea to Facata, an
from thence embarked. for Amanguchi, the capital ot
the kingdom of Naugato, famous for the richeſt 1
mines in Japan. Onr ſaint preached here in public, ”
before. the. king. and his court; but the goſpel at! 4
time took no root in this debauched city, the num
infinit
but th
be re
voice,
neratii
towns
againſ
with |
Cuboſ.
COurt 1
even 0
dred t
Frenc]
vil wa;
ſuch ti
poſſible
fortnig
he was
appear,
three {
io who
and fo
on, an
thouſar
Jeſuits
Dec. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. 45
which the faint gained there being inconſiderable, tho” a
ſingle foul is indeed a great acquiſition.
Xavier having made above a month's abode at Aman-
guchi, and gathered ſmall fruit of his labours, except
affronts, continued his journey towatds Meaco, with
his three companions. It was toward the end of De-
cember, and the four ſervants of God ſuffered much on
the road from heavy rains, great drifts of ſnow, pinch-
ing cold, torrents, and hideous mountains and foreſts ; ©
and they travelled barefoot. In paſſing through towns
and villages, Xavier was accuſtomed to read ſome part
of his catechiſm to the people, and to preach. Not
finding a proper word in the Japonian language to ex-
preſs the ſovereign deity, and fearing leſt the idolaters
ſhould confound God with ſome of their idols, he told
them that having never had any knowledge of the true
infinite God, they were not able to expreſs his name,
but that the Portugueſe called him Deos : and this word
be repeated with ſo much action, and ſuch a tone of
voice, that he made even the pagans ſenſible what ve-
neration is due to that ſacred name, In two ſeveral
towns he narrowly eſcaped being ſtoned for ſpeaking
againſt the gods of the country. He arrived at Meaco
with his companions in February 1551. The Dairi,
Cuboſama, and Saſo (or high-prieſt) then kept their
court there ; but the ſaint could not procure an audience
even of the Saſo without paying for that honour an hun-
dred thouſand Caixes, which amount to ſix hundred
French crowns, a ſum which he had not to give. A ci-
vil war kindled againſt the Cuboſama filled the city with
ſuch tumults and alarms, that Xavier ſaw it to be im-
poltible to do any good there at that time, and after a
fortnight's ſtay returned to Amanguchi. Perceiving that
© was rejected at court upon the account of his mean
Ppearance, he bought a rich ſuit, and hired two or
ree ſervants; and in this equipage waited on the king,
o whom he made a preſent of a little ſtriking clock,
and ſome other things. Thus he obtained his protecti-
au and preached with ſuch fruit that he baptized three
tnouland perſons in that city, wich whom he left two
eſuits who were his companions, to give the finiſhing
46 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec. 3
to their inſtruction. At Amanguchi God reſtored to st.
Francis the gift of tongues; for he preached often to
the Chineſe merchants who traded there, in their mo-
ther- tongue which he had never learned. Sandtity,
meekneſs and humility are often more powerful in a
preacher than the evidence of miracles. , By the heroic
example of theſe virtues the apoſtles converted the
world: and by the like did our faint ſoften the hearts of
many hardened infidels. F. Fernandez, one of his two
companions, was a proof of this at Amanguchi. As he
was preaching one day to a mob who made a ſport of
bim, one of. the rabble hawRing up a great quantity of
naſty phlegm, ſpit it full upon his face. The father
without ſpeaking a word or making the leaſt ſign of
emotion or concern, took his handkerchief, wiped his
face, and continued his diſcourſe. At ſuch an heroic ex-
ample of meekneſs the ſcorn of the audience was turned
into admiration, and the moſt learned doctor of the
city, who happened to be preſent, faid to himſelf that a
law which taught ſuch virtue, inſpired men with ſuch
unſhaken courage, and gave them ſo perfect a victory
over themſelves, could not be but from God : and as
ſoon as the ſermon was ended he confeſſed that the
preacher's virtue had convinced him, and deſired bap-
tiſm, which he received ſome days after with great fo-
lemnity. This illuſtrious converſion was followed by
many others.
St. Francis recommending the new Chriſtians here to
two fathers whom he left behind, left Amanguchi, to-
ward the middle of September, in 1551, and with tuo
Japonian Chriſtians who had ſuffered with joy the con-
fſcation of their goods for changing their religion, tra.
velled on foot to Fuceo, the reſidence of the king of
Bungo, who was very deſirous to ſee him, and gave him
a moſt gracious reception. Here the ſaint publicly con.
futed the Bonzas, who upon motives of intereſt ever)
where ſtrenuouſly oppoſed his preaching, though yo
among them ſome were converted. The faint's public
ſermons and private converſations had their due ei
among the people, and vaſt multitudes deſired to be 15
ſtructed and baptized. Among others the king him:
Dec.
Was ce
rities
wedde
could
till aft
nous 1
forme.
(4) *
fo mucl
in that
the fath
piety ar
baptized
ma, wh
were th
were cq
ceived \
and Ital
faith fle
were 1n
de Jefi
mnga,
the mill
was the
verſion
Was ent
and Ta;
and aft,
ſuch.
e. 3.
o St.
n to
mo-
ty,
in a
eroic
be. 3. s. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 47
was convinced of the truth, and renounced thoſe impu-
rities which are abhorred by nature: but remained ſtill -
wedded to ſome ſenſual pleaſures ; on which account he
could not be admitted to the ſacrament of regeneration,
till after ſome ſucceeding years, having made more ſe-
nous reflections on the admonitions of the ſaint, he re-
formed his life altogether, and was baptized. (4) Our
(4) The divine ſeed ſown by St. Francis Xavier in Japan increaſed
fo much that when the perſecution was raiſed there were reckoned
in that empire 400,000 Chriſtians. Paul, the firſt fruits, or rather
the father of this church, died happily, and in great ſentiments of
piety and holy ſpiritual joy. in 1557. The prince of Omura was
baptized in 1562, That prince and the two kings of Bungo and Ari-
ma, who had received baptiſm, ſent embaſſadors of obedience, who
were their own near relations, to pope Gregory XIII. in 1582. They
were conducted in their voyage by F. Valegnani, a Jeſuit, and re-
ceived with great honour in the principal cities of Portugal, Spain
and Italy, through which they paſſed, and eſpecially at Rome, The
fich flouriſhed daily more and more in Japan; and in 1596, there
were in that empire 250 churches, three ſeminaries, a noviciate of
de Jeſuits, and ſeveral Franciſcans. The Cubo or emperor Nabu-
Manga, at leaſt out of hatred to the Bonzas, was very favourable to
the miſſionaries, and his prime miniſter Vatadono, viceroy of Meaco,
was the declared protector of the Chriſtian religion. When the con-
Verſion of all Japan was looked upon as at hand, this undertaking
was entirely overturned. Nabunanga was cut off by a violent death,
and Taikoſama uſurped firſt the regency for the ſon of Nabunanga,
and afterward the empire, by contriving to have that heir put to
death, Partly by policy, and partly by force he ſubdued all Japan,
and extinguiſhed the Jacatas or petty kings, For ſome time he was
favourable to the Chriſtians, till by various accidents he was excited
io jealouſy at their numbers and-progreſs. In 1586, he by an edit
forbad any Japoneſe to embrace the faith, and ſhortly after cauſed
many Chriſtians to be crucified: in the year 1590 no fewer than
20,000 were put to death for the faith. In 1597, the twenty-ſix
martyrs ſuffered, whom Urban VIII. thirty years after, declared
ſuch. On their death and miracles ſee Charlevoix, |. 10. c. 4. p.
330. and this work on Febr. 5. Taikoſama died in 1598 and hes
des (to whom he left the regency and care of his young ſon Fidejori,
@ prince fond of the Chriſtiane) having murdered the heir his pupil,
und uſurped the throne, continued the perſecution ; and in 1615 ba-
liſhed all the miſſionaries, forbidding entrance for the time to come
under pain of death. The year following Fide-Tadda his ſon ſuc-
bim in the throne, and put great numbers of Chriſtians to
tharous deaths. Xogun or Toxogunſama, to whom he reſigned
crown or at leaft the regency in 1622, carried his craelty againſt
briſtians to the laſt excels, and put incredible numbers to =
| mo
7
48 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Des.;
faint took leave of this king, and embarked: to retu::
to India on the 2oth of November 1551, having con-
tinued in Japan two years and four months, To cu
moſt barbarous deaths. In 1636 the Dutch accuſed to this emperc:,
Moro and other Japoneſe Chriſtians of a conſpiracy with the Porty-
gueſe againſt the ſtate, which Kaempfer (b. 4. c. 5.) pretends to
have been real: but Charlevoix endeavours to prove counterfeit (J.
2. p. 406). This charge exceedingly enraged the perſecutors. The
Chriſtians in numberlets crowds had ſuffered martyrdom with the
moſt heroic patience and conſtancy : but many of thoſe who remained
in the kingdom of Arima, by an unjuftifiable conduct, very oppoſite
to that of the primitive Chriſtians, broke into rebellion, and with an
ariny of 40,000 men took ſome ſtrong places : but being at length
forced, all died fighting deſperately in the field in 1638. After this
Toxogunſama continued the 2 with ſuch fury, that at his
death in 1650 very few had eſcaped his fury; and his ſucceſſor
Jietznako, who purſued the ſame courſe, ſeems to have diſcovered
very few to put to death. The reſearches have been fo rigorous
that in ſome provinces all the inhabitants have been ſometimes com-
pelled to trample on a crucifix. Only the Dutch are allowed to
trade there under the moſt ſevere reſtrictions, but their factory is
confined to the ifle of Deſima, i. e. iſe of De, which is one long
ſtreet, before the harbour, and joined by a bridge to the city of Nan-
gaſaki on the weſtern coaſt of the iſland Ximo. This city was ſub-
ze& to Sumitanda prince of Omura, one of the firſt ſovereigns in Ja-
pan who embraced the faith, which he eflabliſhed alone throughout
all his dominions, fituate in the kingdom of Arima. That king was
himſelf baptiſed with a conſiderable part of his ſubjects. Aſter ſe-
veral Chriſtian kings, king John, otherwiſe Protaſius, ſuffered mar-
tyrdom : his ſon Michael apoſtatiſed to preſerve the crown, and be-
came a perſecutor. The rebellion of 1638 totally extinguiſh
ed the faith in this Lag and in the reſt of Japan. Nar
gaſaki in the time of the Portugueze was all Chriſtian, and counted
60,000 inhabitants: now about 8000 only, and theſe Japoneſe ido-
laters. It is the only town in Japan which any ſtrangers are non
allowed to approach: and are here watched as if priſoners. By ®
inviolable edi& of the emperor all other nations except the Dutch at
forbid theſe dominions, and all their natives are commanded to te.
main in their own country. The miſſionaries who have attempte
to find admittance, ſeem never to have ſucceeded. The laſt that 's
known, was M. Sidotti, a Sicilian prieſt, who in 1709, found mea
to land in Japan: but what became of him after this was betet
known in Europe. See Charlevoix, Dr. Kaempfer, and Hift. Moderne,
T. 2. des Faponois, Alſo Hift.' Provincia Philippin. Dominican:
£9 Fac. Lafonus, Annal. Dominican. & F. Sardimo. Jeſuit. Cale
logus Regularium et Secularium qui in Japonia et ſub 4 ok
[ublati ſunt. Alſo, The Hiſtory of the Martyrs abe in Jaan 2 ,
ee. Þ
etun
con-
culu-
nperor,
Portu-
"nds to
eit (J.
The
ith the
mained
ppoſite
with an
length
ter this
t at his
acceſſor
covered
rigorous
es com-
wed to
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ne long
tinguiſh-
= an”
| counted
neſe ido-
ate nov
„ By an
Dutch ate
d to fe-
Dec. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, CG. 49
vate this growing miſſion he ſent thither three Jeſuits,
who were ſhortly followed by others. It had been often
objected to him that the learned and wiſe men in China
had not embraced the faith of Chriſt. This circum-
ſtance firſt inſpired him with an earneſt defire that the
name of Chriſt might be glorified in that flouriſhing
empire, and full of a zealous project of undertaking
that great enterpriſe he left Japan. In this voyage the
ſhip in which he failed, was reſcued from imminent dan-
ger of ſhipwreck in a ſtorm by his prayers; and a cha-
loup in which were fifteen perfons belonging to the ſhip,
from which it had been ſeparated by the ſame tempeſt,
was ſaved by the ſame means, according to his confident
and repeated prediction, the paſſengers and mariners in
it leeming all the way to have feen Xavier fitting at the
helm and ſteering it. Many other clear predictions of
the ſaint are recorded. At Malacca he was received
with the greateſt joy that can be imagined, and he im-
mediately ſet himfelf to contrive how he might compaſs
bis intended journey to China. The greateſt difficulty
was, that beſides the ill underſtanding which was be-
twixt China and Portugal, it was forbidden to ſtrangers
on pain of death, or of perpetual impriſonment, to ſet
foot in that kingdom. Even ſome Portugueſe mer«
chants who had ſtolen thicher for the benefit of trade,
having been diſcovered, ſome of them had loſt their
others had been put in irons, and caſt into dun-
geons, there to rot for the remainder of their lives. To
remove this obſtacle St. Francis diſcourſed with the old
governor of Malacca,” Don Pedro de Sylva, and with
the new one, Don Alvarez d Atayda, and it was agreed
tan embaſſy might be ſent in the name of the king
of P ortugal io China to ſettle a commerce, with which
the ſaint might with ſafety land in that kingdom. In
© mean time the ſaint ſet out for Goa. Arriving at
n on the 24th of January, in 1552, he there mer
fered cruel and intolerable torments and death for the Roman Ca-
= region, in Dutch, by Rier Guyeſberts (who was an eye-wit-
. en! living at Nangaſaki in 1622, printed at the end of Ca-
: cription of apan. See alſo relations of this perſecution pub-
Vſexetal Jeſuits, Dominicans, Franciſcans, &c. 61
ol. XII E
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8. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec. 3
50.
lious ſubjects
Maldives fleeing from rebell
— — had inſtructed in the faith, and St.
Irancis baptized him, |
_ — + 005m married a —_—_— lg =
lived a private life till the day of his death : bel. :
his — the loſs of his crown procured him t : 1
f ih and the grace of baptiſm, Xavier _ 8 —
= he beginning of February, and having = 8
— th hoſpitals, went to the college .of St. Pau 4. —
i — ial man. The miſſionaries whom — 1
I Yvſed before his departure, had ſpread the 89 pe «
= ſide. F. Gaſpar Barzia
: and iſtiani
d iſland of Ormuz. riſt
— — the coaſt of the Pearl Fiſhery, * —
—— —— progreſs at Cochin, Coulan, Bazain,
por, in the Moluccas, the ifles of Moro, &c. (e) The
pl
| in and
! ; ilip III. and IV. of Spain a
h, in the reigns of Philip III. reſted
— af nd Jobe IV. of Portugal (duke of » _—_ a Java
rainy, e nr gueſe Malacca, and moſt - their 2 Meliapor,
rom! : he Moluccas, rg
of the Sonde, tne f f thoſe
- 2 chriſtianity wha Tie eden er ad —
. 0 8 | On, &c. comp an, 8 4 like) to
pagation of the 2oſpel b lene * 4 nothin
. ion, unleſs men can onform-
Ke rug of ain e gen frag ad of cfm
* contrary to our Eu eb rfully to
ing to many cuſtoms = auſtere lives, and be ys Agee” rtyt-
over they muſt lead now : leſs of dangers and of marry
d denial, fearleſs o lange Hiſtory,
ſuffer every hardſhip an ks in his Modern
Salmon frequently remar lim, Danes
whetein he complains of the frange nefle EA
a Hollanders in this particular (T. 3. p. 58. him. Among the
and Ho Madraſs), and as Gordon has done _— he
_— Salmon required in 7 _ * — * he perſons
Con 2 * . t a — of
d in the firſt place, ſelves, di
ought to have of fell. de ial and patience are dead to them d. Such
who by habits of ſelf-den nd altogether | heavenly-minded. Su
. he divine
— — ts of inf | nations, on whoſe labours t 70S
, , ſſionarie
were the holy apoſtles of infide The Daniſh miſſionar
Il ſhowered down. d ſucceſs a
bleſſings 1 eaſes 4 lations of their endeavours 77 of the
eee. heir letters in the Hiſtory thors
1d other places. See thei Yet the autho|
Tranguebar and ot * at's. 0 . ＋
1 he Goſpel in t Eaſt, P | ho trave
of te Aloe dg ors, thn pc, wh
ied in litters, take not in ſome 0
— 22 As ton — — Chriſtians Ho
5 to ö x
the European ſettlements, may be induc the influence of the MM
to be feared that motives of intereſt, or *
Dec.
king
Mala
chena
brace!
ſuſpecte
their ſup
—
we ven
teſtant a
tells us:
cipation
the holy
it better
I have n
to protel
Into our
adult inf;
proach te
great inj1
and Port,
and ambi
Ceſpiling
th wen
wi crep
ſometime
that non
ous to t]
Seneracy
tan faith,
nd 1t is
en wan!
ceeded th
thoſe whe
ny bay
new ſettle
Very emo
Parts of th
Catroy,
Uth withe
anctity ar
& the live,
! evince,
and
in
ft of
Goa
viſit
here
had
eon
t the
ſhed
had
lelia-
The
in and
yreſted
1 Java
liapor,
| thoſe
e pro-
kely to
nothing
nform-
- more-
fully to
martyt-
Hiſtory,
Danes
and p.
10ng the
*
rſons
2 dib
. Such
Yo divine
Tonaries
cceſs at
of the
» authors
ravel in
oſe who
ſome 0
ans, ns
> egi
ire
Dec. 3 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 51
king of Tanor, whoſe dominions lay on the coaſt of
Malabar, had been baptized at Goa. The king of Tri-
chenamalo, one of the ſovereigns of Ceylon alſo em-
braced the faith. The progreſs of the faith in many
other places was fuch as gave the greateſt ſubject of joy
to the holy man. But F. Antonio Gomez, a great
preacher and ſcholar, whom the ſaint had appointed rec-
tor at Goa, had made ſuch changes and innovations
tive ot civil authority often render the ſincerity of ſuch converſions
ſuſpefted ; and the want of inſtruction in many ſuch converts, and
their ſupine behaviour often give reaſon to fear the curſe which Chriſt
_ _ againſt ſome proſelytes of the Phariſees. It is hoped,
wever, there is more exaggeration than truth in what the Pro-
teltant author of the late Third Letter from North America, in 17 58,
tells us: “ An Indian proſelyte, who had been admitted to a parti-
cpation of the Chriſtian myſteries, being aſked what he thought of
the holy rite, - had nothing to anſwer, ' but that he ſhould have liked
it better had they given him rum. And I muſt ſay (with ſorrow) that
| have never myſelf remarked an Indian to have a better inducement
to proteſtantiſm than his paſſion for ſpirituous liquors ; the initiation
into our firſt ſacratnent being made an affair of jollity, wherein the
adult infant largely partakes.” This remark is meant not as a re-
proach to any, but as a caution to all. It muſt be acknowledged that
great injuttices have been ſometimes committed by ſeveral Spanith
and Portugueſe governors or generals in the Indies, and that avarice
22 were the inducements to many adventurers, who by
4 piling the Maldives, and other barren rocks or ſands, ſhewed-
1 went in queſt of gold and ſpices. A corruption of manners like-
2 crept into their ſettlements, and preachers themſelves have been
— dupes of a worldly ſpirit. It were infinitely to be wiſhed
* none who have the happineſs to profeſs the goſpel, were rebel-
us to the light, and a ſcandal to their holy religion. Yet the de-
72 of thoſe that fall, cannot weaken the grounds of the Chriſ-
ath, nor reflect diſhonour on thoſe who live by its maxims.
mY is moſt certain that holy miniſters of the goſpel bave never
2 who inheriting the ſpirit of the apoſtles, have ſuc-
hoc om in their labours. Many ſuck were raiſed by God among
"ny 0 planted the faith in ſo many new diſcovered nations.
* propagated it not only in the neighbourhood of all the
— — of the Spaniards, Portugueſe, &c. but alſo in many
ks m= barbarous countries, as in Tonquin, Cochinchin, ſome
\ — 3 of the Mogul, even at Delli itſelf. (See F.
* de I Empire du Mogol, &c.) If ſome received the
wy out imbibing its maxims and ſpirit, examples even of heroic
7 are not wanting whether among theſe converts or miſſionaries,
& the li i a a
y ow wy of a conſiderable number authentically written, ſufficient-
Py o # E 2
52 S. FRANCIS. XAVIER, c. Dee.
even in the domeſtic diſcipline of the ſociety, that the
faint was obliged to diſmiſs him from the Order, Xa:
vier appointed F. Barzia, a perſon of eminent piety,
rector of Goa, and as 7 ſent new preachers
into all the miſſions on this fide the Ganges, and ob-
tained of the viceroy don Alphonſo de Norogna, a com-
miſſion for his good friend James Pereyra to go on an
embaſſy to China. Having ſettled all affairs at Goa, he
made the moſt tender and ardent exhortations to his re-
tigious brethren, then leaving F. Barzia vice-provincial,
fet ſail on the 14th of April, in 1552, and landing at
Malacca found the town afflicted with a moſt contagious
peſtilential fever. This he had foretold before he arriv-
ed, and no ſooner was he come on ſhore but running
from ſtreet to ſtreet he carried the poor that lay lan-
guiſhing up and down, to the hoſpitals, and attended
them with his companions. At that time he reſtored to
life a young man named Francis Ciavos, who afterward
took the habit of the ſociety. When the mortality had
almoſt ceaſed, the ſaint treated about the embaſſy to
China (/) with the governor of Malacca, on whom don
(f) The religious ſes in China are, firſt, that of Confucius, in
the original language Cum-fn-cu, or Cong-fou-tſe. This is pro-
ſeſſed by the emperor, princes and all the men of learning. In every
town is an oratory, in which the Mandarins offer on ſeveral feſtivals
wine, fruit, flowers, and rice ſet on a table amidſt lights, with many
rofound bows, in honour of Confucius, ſinging verſes in his praiſe.
hey bury the blood and hair of a hog which was killed the der
before, and they burn part of its liver. The emperor makes this
offering in a great temple. They have two feaſts a year in honour
of Tien, or the heaven which they worſhip. A ſect of theſe called
Jakiau are accuſed of atheifm. Some miſſionaries have pretended
that by Tien they mean the maſter of the heavens, not the mat
heaven, which is condemned by Benedict XIV. The third yolume
of Du - Halde's Deſcription of China, in which is inſerted an apolo-
etic account of ſomè of theſe rites, is condemned by an order
ement XII.
The ſe& of Lao-kiun-is alſo very ancient. The author, a} l-
ſopher of that name, is ſaid to have lived ſiæx hundred years ve!
Chriſt. His famous book called Tau-tſe is ſtill in great veneratien
among his followers, who are extremely addicted to auguries ©
ſuperſtitious ceremonies ;. and their priefts ſtudy to diſcover an 21.
of making men immortal, of which many of them make wonde R
boaſts. Lao-kiun taught that the human foul periſhes with g
75
pee. 8. FRANCIS XAVIER,! e. 33
Alphonſo de Norogna (the fifth viceroy and ſeventeenth
governor of the Indies) had repoſed the truſt of that affair.
Don Alvarez d'Atayda Gama had lately ſucceeded his
body, that God is material, and that there are many ſubaltern gods
which they worſhip. His followers worſhip him, and many other
men whom they have deified; and whoſe idols they keep in their
' temples. - Theſe princes and heroes deified they call Changi:
whence it is ſurpriſing that F. Du Halde ſhould imagine that: this
word in the Chineſe language ſigniſies the Creator and abſolute Maſ-
ter of the Univerſe, or conveys an'idea which fafls not much '
Aobet of ehd wage Ipd * 0hhoniv ..
The ſect of Foe was introduced into China about the year of
Chriſt 64. Fos was a philoſopher who ved fi the Indies long bé-
fore the age of Pythagoras, and taught the tranſmigfetion of fouls. -
He left five preeepts: 1. Never to Kill any living creature. 2. Ne-
ver to take the goods of another. 3. Lo feftaim from Tmpurity.
4: Never to lye. 5. Not to drink wine. The idol of Foe is repre-
ſented very large, and frequently iu three frightfal ſhapes placed in
the ſame temple, the principal refembling àa man with a monſtrous
belly, fitting crofs-legged according to the cuſtom of the Orientals,
This is called the Idol of Immortality. The fecond is the Idol of
Pleaſures, twenty foot high. And the third is thirty foot high, wears
2 crown, and is called Ihe Great King-Kang. Befides thefe they
have numberleſs little idols in pagods, in the highways, and all pub-
le places: and others called Jos in every houſe. The name Pagod
i given both to theſe little idols and their temples. The Bonzas of
ths ſect are univerſally deſpiſed, and moſt mercenary ; but practiſe
ful ridiculous auſterities for the ſins of others, as they pretend,
tome dragging heavy chains twenty or thirty foot long, others ftrik-
Ng their head or breaſt with a ſtone, &c. They teach the deluded
people that their fins and the puſiſhment of the otHer Hife are re-
deemed by giving alms to their communities, and they fell to thoſe
that are dying, paſſports for the other world; There are-'alſs in
China adorers of the Great Lama who reſides at Barantola in Tibet,
and is called the Eternal Father. (See Du- Halde, p. 466:) N
The Chineſe call their ſacred books King, i. e. Gbit doctrinę:
e principal of theſe are five. 1. iin , the oldeſt and moſt” re-
ed, attributed to Fo- hi, conſiſts of hieroglyphic figures in lines,
Orcles, polygons, &c. the key being loſt, this book is unintelligible,
= rendered ſtill more puzzling a obſcure by interpreters. 2. Chon-
i wrote by Confucius, contains the hiſtory of the three firſt dy-
* true or falſe, 3. Che-king, which conſiſts of poems without
— or ſtile, ſome moral, others impious and obſcene: to excuſe
= 24 ſome think them ſuppoſititious, and the work of an interpola-
wh 4. Tchun-Tficou, ſpring and autumn, is a hiftory of twelye
"83-who reigned in Lou, now Quantong. 5. Lili, «treats of ce-
*monies, rites and cuſtoms. Ky S, |
we? Popular opinion among the Chineſe, that their nation has
ed above 40,000 years, and was governed by emperors 4000
years,
54 4 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec, 3
good brother Don Pedro de Sylva Gama in the govern-
ment of Malacca. This officer, out of a pique to Pe.
reyra, croſſed the project of the embaſſy, and when 8.
years, in twenty-two . dynaſties ſrom Vo, or Tao, compriſing the
preſent, reigning [Tartar family, - beſides eight emperors - from
. * - Martini in his Chineſe | hiſtory places Fochi im-
mediately after the deluge. Shuckford and others imagine Fo-ki
e haye been Noab, or Sem, who according. to thoſe. authors,
travelled to the utmoſt boundaries of the eaſtern continent of Afi,
Du Halde, Le Compte, and other, Jeſuits who firſt gave us-annals of
the Chineſe empire, carry its pretended antiquity as high, though
upon other principles. The enthuſiaſm which ſeized the-firſt diſco-
verers of this remote couptry, at the fight of the magnificence and
policy of ſo vaſt an empire in the midſt of nations ſunk in barbariſm,
magnified every object in their ideas, and inclined them to receive
with implicit, credulity whatever the moſt ignorant of the natives
could publiſh either to flatter their own vanity, or to raiſe the wot-
det of ſtrangers. But when time and reflection had cooled their ima
gination, — — began to judge of things more impartially.
The moral precepts of Confucius, like thoſe of Zoroaſter, and
many others even in America itſelf, appear to have been derived
from a patriarchal tradition, which was disfigured by a mixture of
_ ſuperſtition, but not entirely effaced : by which the truth of divine
revelation and the ſacred hiſtory, is confirmed. Of this however ve
have more pregnant proofs among the Aſſyrians, Phenicians and E
Ay ptians; as appears from the fragments of their hiſtorians collected
by Joſephus againſt Appion, &c. from Sanconiatho, &c. See Clerci
notes on Grotius on the truth of the chriſtian religion. In this there:
_ fore nothing appears very ſingular. 2
It is affirmed by many that the chriſtian religion flouriſhed anciently
in China x ſome ſay it was planted there by St, Thomas the apoſtle.
It is certain that, the Neſtorians, in Alia extended chriſtianity in Geor-
[gia and other places near the Caſpian ſea ſoon after the yea! 778.
(See Joſ. Aſſemani, Bibl. Orient, vol. 4. p. 478, 481, 482.) That
; chriſtianity flouriſhed many years ago.in ſeveral parts of Great Tar
. tary near China, 1s manifeſt, though in the middle ages tainted with
Neſtorianiſm. (See Abulpharagius, Aſſemani in Bibl. Orient. T. 4
part 2. c. 9. Moſheim, Hiſt. Tartar. Eccl. c. 3. $ 4. P. 12% Her
© belot, Bibl. Orient. paſſim. Renaudot, not. in vet. Latin. Juner. u
Indiam. n. 319) Some of thoſe countries, ſubject to the Muſco-
vites, have again received the faith, overawed by their maſters, fafs
Salmon, who have lately erected biſhoprics among them.
Nuncios liter. Florent. ad an. 1748.) From Tartary ſome tell us
the faith was propagated in China: Kircher thinks from the Inde
(China illuſtr. part 2. c. 7. p. 92.) At leaſt Arnobius (I. 2. ade
Gent. p. 50,) mentions that the faith was ſettled in India, and amo" ;
the Seræ, Medes and Perfians, And Ebedjeſu ſays the ene,
tans of the Chineſe were conſtituted by the patriarch of 4
Dec.
Franc
mand
treate
dans,
and pa
an- ſu
publiſh
ler, At
The tr
liſhed |
Chriſti:
barians
(Inſt, !
by F. «
rennine
renoung
exile w
ſoon af
reſt wei
fetters |
cao, a
gueſe yp
miſſions
1733,
and wit
remaine
rbariſm,
\ receiwe
e natives
he won-
eit ima»
.
ter, and
derived
xture of
zf divine
vever we
and E-
collected
e Clerc's
ais there
bee. 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 55
Francis urged the authority of the king, and the com-
mand of the viceroy, Alvarez flew into a rage, and
treated him with the moſt injurious language. The
dzans, (ap. Joſ. Aſſemani, Bibl. Orient. T. 3. part 2. c. 9. p. 521.
and part 1. p. 346.) As for the chriſtian monument found at Sin-
gan-fu, commonly called Canton, (on which Kircher and Muller have
publiſhed diſſertations), it is regarded as genuine by Kircher, Mul-
ler, Aſſemani and Renaudot, but rejected by Horn, la Croze, &c.
The travels of two Mahometans into China in the ninth age, (pub-
liſhed by Renaudot in 1718), in which it is related that in 877, the
Chriſtians, Jews and Mahometans, were put to the ſword by bar-
barians in China, are rejected as fabulous by la Croze Jablonſki,
(Inſt. Hiſt. p. 242, &c.) and that they are a forgery is well proved
by F. de Premare, a Jeſuit, (Lett. Edif, T. 19. p. 420) and F. Pa-
rennine, (Ib. T. 21. p. 158.) r
Whatever had happened in former ages, it is certain that when the
Portugueſe entered China, in 1517, no footſteps of chriſtianity were
found there. In 1556, certain Dqminicans began to preach in Chi-
na; but ſome were baniſhed, others had little fuccets. (See Ann.
Dominic. p. 158.) Alſo Souza, (part 3. Hiſt. S. Domin. 1. 3. c. 1.
Le Quien, (Oriens Chriſt. T. 3. p. 1453.) And the Dominicans
made no ſettlement in China before the year 1630. (See Navarret,
Advart and Gonzales, Hiſt. Prov. Philipp. Dominicanorum.) The
Jeſuits, firſt F. Roger, a Neapolitan, then F. Ricci, entered China in
1580, and got leave to ſettle there in 1583. (See F. Schall, Nar-
rat. de initio miſſionis Soc. Jeſu, et de ortu Fidei in regno Chin.)
The chriſtian religion made ſuch progreſs, that in 1715. there were
in China above three hundred churches, and three hundred thouſand
riſtians. But the emperor Kang-hi after having been long favour-
able to them, began to conceive ſome jealouſy, and in 1716, forbad
the millionaries to build churches or, make proſelytes. This prince
ing in 1722, his ſucceſſor Yong-tching upon complaints made by
the governor of Fokien againft the Chriſtians, publiſhed moſt 'bar-
ous edits which in a great mealure extirpated chriſtianity out of
the empire. Amongſt other ſcenes of inhumanity he loaded with
chains, and baniſhed into Tartary a prince of the blood fourſcore
Jeus old, and his whole numerous family, becauſe they would not
Fnounce the faith. They had been condemned to die; and their
etile was but a more ſevere kind of death, ſeeing moſt of them died
oon after in cloſe dungeons through hardſhips and want; and the
* were diſperſed into other provinces, to end their days in priſons,
"ers and miſery, In 1731, he baniſhed all the miſſionaries to Ma-
cao, a ſmall iſland in the province of Canton, in which the Portu-
— vere permitted to ſettle. Yong-tching died in 1736, and the
a hoped to be reſtored, but in vain; and ſince the year
2 Chriſtians are left in moſt parts of China without churches
La without paſtors under ſevere. perſecutions. The preachers who *
maned behind were crowned with martyrdom. Only ſome Jeſuits
, are
*
.
*
*
%
Y
0
41 * by
.
'
177
=
*
.
U
—
—
— ＋ 8 * 2 7 *
8 „ *
56 s. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dee.
faint ceaſed not for a whole month to folicit the gover-
nor, and at length threatened him with excommunica.
tion in caſe he perſiſted thus to oppoſe the propagation
of the goſpel. Upon this occaſion the ſaint produced
the briefs of Paul III. by which he was appointed apoſ-
tolic nuncio: which out of humility he had kept a pro-
found ſecret during ten ov that were expired ſince his
coming to the Indies. The governor continued to laugh
at the threats, ſo that the biſhop's grand-vicar at length
fulminated an excommunication againſt him in the name
of Xavier, who ſeeing this deſign utterly deſtroyed, de-
termined to go on board of a WE ſhip that was
ſetting ſail for the iſle of Sancian, a ſmall barren iſland
near Macao, on the coaſt of China. This governor was
afterward depoſed for extorſions and other crimes, by
an order of the king, and ſent in chains to Goa. St.
Francis during this voyage wrought ſeveral miracles,
and converted certain Mahometan paſſengers, and on
the twenty-third day after the ſhip's departure from
Malacca, arrived. at Sancian, where the Chineſe per-
mitted the Portugueſe to come and buy their commo-
dities. When the project of the embaſly had failed,
St. Francis had ſent the three Jeſuits he had taken for
his companions into Japan, and retained. with him only
a brother of the ſociety. (who was a Chineſe, and had
taken the habit at Goa) and a young Indian. He hoped
to find means with only two companions to land ſecretly
in China. The merchants at Sancian endeavoured to
perſuade him that his deſign was impraQticable, all {et
ting-before his eyes the rigorous laws. of the government
are till retained at court, but not ſuffered to act as miſſions
ries, but merely as mandarins who preſide over the mathemt
tics, painting, &c. in which offices they continue in hopes of finding
circumſtances at length more favourable to religion. Yet they often
ſuccour the Chriſtians who till remain in the capital, and obtain 4
mitigation of perſecutions in the ſeveral provinces. And fince the
year 1753, the 1 in China are allowed ſome liberty to?
the Chriſtians there. See Hiſt. Moderne contin. de Rollin. T. 1.
part 5. c. 2. p. 344. Modern Univ. Hiſt. in octavo, T. 8. [, 13
c. l. ſect. 6. p. 520. Lettres Edif. & Cur. de Miſſionaires, vol. 2
and 28. Theſe lives of ſaints, Feb. V. and chiefly Lettres Edifan-
tes, vol. 28. Anno 1758.
Dec. 3. 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, c. 57
of China, that all the ports were narrowly guarded by
vigilant officers who were neither to be circumvented
nor bribed; and that the leaſt he could expect was
ſcourging and perpetual impriſonment. The faint was
not to be deterred 3 and anſwered all theſe and many
other reaſons, ſaying that to be terrified by ſuch difficul-
ties from undertaking the work of Gad, would be in-
comparably worſe than all the evils with which they
threatened him. He therefore took his meaſures for the
voyage of China, and firſt of all provided himſelf of a
good interpreter; for the Chineſe he had brought with
him from Goa was wholly ignorant of the language
which is ſpoken at the court, and had almoſt forgotten
the common idiom of the vulgar. Then the faint hired
a Chineſe merchant called Capoceca, to land him by
night on ſome part of the coaſt where no houſes were
in view: for which ſervice Xavier engaged to pay him
two. hundred pardo's, (g) and bound himſelf by oath
that no torments ſhould ever bring him to confeſs either
the name or houſe of him who had ſet him on ſhore.
The Portugueſe at Sancian fearing this attempt might
be revenged - by the Chineſe on them, endeavoured to
traverſe the deſign. Whilſt the voyage was deferred
Xavier fell fick, and when the Portugueſe veſſels were
all gone except one, was reduced to extreme want of
all neceſſaries. Alſo the Chineſe interpreter whom he
bad hired, recalled bis word. Yet the ſervant of God
who ſoon recovered of his illneſs, did not loſe courage ;
and hearing that the king of Siam was: preparing a
magnificent embaſſy to the emperor of China, he re-
lolved to uſe his beſt endeavours to obtain leave to ac-
company the ambaſſador of Siam. But God was pleaſed
io accept his will in this good work, and took him to
himſelf. A fever ſeized the faint a ſecond time on the
20th of November, and at the ſame time he had a clear
knowledge of the day and hour of his death, which he
openly declared to a friend, who afterward made an
authentic depoſition of it by a ſolemn oath. From that
7 (8) Tavernier reckons the value of a pardb at twenty-ſeven ſol
inch money. |
85 s. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dees.
moment he perceived in himſelf a ſtrange diſguſt of all
earthly things, and thought on nothing but that celeſtial
country whither God was calling him. Being much
weakened by his fever, he retired into the veſſel which
was the common hoſpital of the ſick, that he might die
in poverty. But the toſſing of the ſhip giving him an
extraordinary headach, and hindering him from apply-
ing himſelf to God as he deſired, the day following he
requeſted that he might be ſet on ſhore again: which
was done. He was expoſed on the ſands to a piercing
north wind; till George Alvarez out of compaſſion
caufed him to be carried into his cabin, which afforded
a very poor ſhelter, being open on every fide. The ſaint's
diſtemper, accompanied with an acute pain in his ſide,
and a great oppreſſion, increaſed daily: he was twice
blooded, but the unſkilful ſurgeon both times pricked
the tendon, .by which accident the patient fell into
dJwooning; convulſions. His diſeaſe was attended with a
horrible nauſeouſneſs, inſomuch that he could take no
nouriſhment. But his countenance was always ſerene,
and his ſoul enjoyed a perpetual calm. Sometimes be
lifted up his eyes to heaven, and at other times fixed
them on his crucifix, entertaining divine converſations
with his God, in which he ſhed abundance of tears.
At laſt, on the 2d of December, which fell on Friday,
having his eyes all bathed in tears, and fixed with great
tendernels of ſoul upon his crucifix, he pronounced thoſe
words: {n Thee, O Lord, 1 have hoped : 1 ſhall not be
confounded: for ever; and at the ſame inſtant, tranſport-
ed with celeſtial joy, which appeared upon his counte-
nance, he ſweetly gave up the ghoſt in 1 552. Though
he was only forty- ſix years old, of which he had paſſed
ten and an half in the Indies, his continual labours had
made him grey betimes, and in the laſt year of his lite
he was grizzled almoſt to whiteneſs. His corpſe was in.
terred on Sunday, being laid, after the Chineſe fafhion,
in a large cheſt, which was filled up with unſlacked me,
to the end that the fleſh being conſumed, the bones
might be carried to Goa. On the 17th of Februat),
in 1552, the grave was opened to fee if the fleſh was
conſumed: but the lime being taken off the face, it
ec, 4,
of all
leſtial
much
which
nt die
m an
pply-
1g he
which
rcing
aſſion
forded
ſaint's
s ſide,
twice
ricked
into
with a
Ke no
erene,
es he
fixed
ations
tears.
riday,
great
| thoſe
not be
\(port-
gunte-
hough
paſſed
rs had
his life
vas in-
ſhion,
lime,
bones
ruary,
ſh was
ace, It
Des / 3. S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. 59
was found ruddy and freſh coloured, like that of a man
who is in a {weet'repofe. The body was in like manner
whole, and the natural moiſture- uncorrupted: and the
fleſh being a little cut in the thigh, near the knee, the
blood was ſeen to run from the wound. The. ſacerdotal
habits in which the ſaint was buried, were no ways en-
damaged by the lime; andi the holy corpſe exhaled an
odour fo fragrant and. delightful that the moſt exquiſite
perfumes came nothing near it. The ſacred remains
were carried into the ſhip, and brought to Malacca on
the. 22d of March, where it was received with great ho-
nour. The peſtilence which for ſome weeks had laid
waſte the town, on a ſudden ceaſed. The; body was in-
terred in a damp church- yard; yet in Auguſt was found
entire, freſh; and ſtill exhaling a ſweet odour, and be-
ing honourably put into a ſhip was tranſlated to Goa,
where it was received, and placed in the church of the
college of St. Paul on the 15th of March, in 1354: up-
on which occaſion ſeveral blind perſons recovèred their
light, and others ſick of palſies and other diſeaſes, their
health and the uſe of their limbs. By order of King
John Ill. a verbal proceſs of the life and miracles of the
man of God was made with'the utmoſt accuracy at Goa,
and in other parts of the Indies. Many miracles were
wrought through his interceſſion in ſeveral parts of the
Indies and Europe, confeſſed by ſeveral Proteſtants; (þ)
and Tavernier calls him the St. Paul, and the true
(5) See his life by Bouhours, ti „b. 6.
have objected, that 7 3 pars > mage 1
De Procurandd Indorum Salute, acknowledges, (I. 2. c. 8.) that the
HIP of working miracles did not ſubſiſt among the miſſionaries.
t he ſpeaks of the millionaries in general compared with the apoſ-
tles who all wrought miracles, and in all places. For Acofta himſelf
(Cc. 10, ib.) bears expreſs teſtimony to the evidence and great number
of ſtupendous miracles wrought” by St. Francis Xavier: ard men-
dons that ſome other preachers had performed miracles both in the
— and Weſt Indies. That the miracles of St. Francis were famous
uring his life, and immediately after his death, ſee Tutſellin, J. 6.
vit. 8 Fr. c. 1. and the letter of king John III. to Bareto, vice-
roy of the Indies, in 15 56, in Acoſta's Rerum in oriente geſlarum |.
— in 1571, and at Paris in 1572. See F. M. . n,
Appendix added by F. M. . y, p. 448.
important Controverſy concerning Miracles, in the
r
3 —_ þ 3 , j
— — Cn as er” * „ 1 þ
4 .
* 4 . 9
"= 7 A **
Alteratiem, or
60 S. FRANCIS XAVIER, C. Dec. 3.
apoſtle of the Indies. St. Francis was beatified by Paul
V. in 1554, and canonized by. Gregory XV. in 1662.
By an order of John V. king of Portugal, the archbi-
— . Goa, attended by the viceroy the marquis of
Caſtel- Nuovo, in 174 performed a viſitation of the
relicks of St. Francis Navier: at which time the body
was found without the leaſt bad: ſmell, and ſeemed en-
virened with a kind of ſhining; brightneſs: and the
fade, hands, breaſt and fert had not ſuffered the lea
or ſymptom of, corruption, () In 1947,
the ſame king obtained a brief of Benedict XIV. by
'which- St. Francis Xavier: is honoured with the title of
0 tron and protector of all the countries in the Eaſt-
Holy zeal may properly be faid to have formed the
character of St. Francis Xavier. Conſumed with an in-
Fatiable/thirſt of the ſalvation of fouls, and of the dila-
tation of the honour and kingdom of Cbriſt on earth,
he s eaſed not with tears and prayers to conjure the Fa-
ther af all men not to ſuffer thoſe to periſh whom he
had created to his own divine image, made capable of
knowing and loving him, and redeemed with the ado-
able blood of his Son; as is ſet forth in the excellent
er of this ſaint, printed. in many books of devotion.
For this end the ſaint, like another St. Paul, made him-
elf all to all, and looked upon all fatigues, ſufferings
and dangers as his pleaſure and gain. In tranſports of
zeal he invited and preſſed others to labour in the con-
Verſion of inſidels and ſinners. In one of his letters to
Europe he wrote as follows: (Ir) 1 have often thoughts
to run over all the Univerſities of Europe, and princt-
pally that of Paris, and to cry aloud to thoſe who abound
more in learning than in charity, Ah! bow many ſouls
ure ſoſt to beaven through your negle&! . . . Many,
without doubt, would be moved, would make a fpiri-
tual retreat, and give themſelves the leiſure for meditat-
ing on heavenly things. They would renounce their
peſſions, and trampling under foot all worldly van't'cs,
would put themſelves in a condition of following the
(10) Lettres Edif et Cur. des Miſſion. vol. 27. Pref. p. 24
(11) S, Fr. Xav. ep. 5. from Cochin, Anno 1544 P. 67 ·
ughts
rinci-
ound
ſouls
Hany,
ſpiri-
ditat-
their
nities,
g the
Dec. 3. 8. FRANCIS XAVIER, 6A Gx
motions of the divine will. Then they would ſay, Be-
hold me in readineſs, O Lord. How much more hap-
pily would theſe learned men then live! With how much
more aſſurance would they die. . ... Millions of idola-
ters might be eafily converted, if there were more
preachers who would fincerely mind the intereſts of
Jeſus Chriſt, and not their own.“ But the faint requir-
ed miſſionaries that are prudent, charitable, mild, per-
fealy diſintereſted, and of fo great purity of manners
that no occaſions” of ſin weaken their conftancy. (12)
In vain,” fays he, would you commit this import-
ant employ to any, howſoever learned and otherwiſe
qualified, unleſs they are laborious, mortified and pati-
ent: unleſs they are to ſuffer willingly, and with
joy, hunger and thirſt, and the ſevereſt perſecutions.”
(13) This faint was himſelf a model of ſuch preachers,
formed upon the ſpirit of the apoſtles. So abſolute a
maſter he was of his: paſſions, that he knew not what it
was to have the leaſt motion of choler and impatience,
and in all events was perfectly reſigned to the divine
will: from whence proceeded an admirable tranquillity
of ſoul, a perpetual cheerfulneſs; and equality of coun ·
tenance. He rejoiced in afflictions and ſufferings, and
lad that one who had onee experienced the ſweetneſs of
luffering for Chriſt, will ever after find it worſe than
death to live without a croſs. (14) By humility the
amt was always ready to follow: the advice of others,
and attributed all bleſſings to their prayers, which he:
moſt earneſtly implored. Of himſelf he always ſincere-
ly ſpoke as of the baſeſt and moſt unworthy of men,
vith the moſt perfect ſentiments of diſtruſt in himſelf,
The union of his ſoul with God by holy prayer raiſed
him above the world. In phed in deep meditations
he was ſometimes found ſuſpended in the air, with beams
of glory round his countenance, as many ocular witneſſes
SALUD; ior id ws i N
1
„
l. 7 b. 70% (13) Id. I. 4. ep, 9;
F. Bouhours, b. 6. p. 679-
62 8. BIRINUS, B. c. Dec. 3.
On TaE SAME Day.
St. Bix ixus, firſt Biſhop of Dorcheſter, C. Birinus,
a prieſt of Rome, addreſſed himſelf to -pope Honorius
for leave to preach the goſpel to the idolaters in Britain.
The pope commended his zeal, and cauſed him to be
The apoſtolic miſſionary: landed in
ordained biſhop.
the kingdom of the Weſt-Saxons, and with many others
baptized king Cynegils, who began ta reign in 611, and
filled the throne thirty- one years, being the ſixth from
Cerdic, who founded that kingdom in 519. Birinus
fixed his ſee at Dercis, now at . Dorcheſter, on the
Thames, in Oxfordſhire, upon the edge of Berk-
ſhire: (a) he built and conſecrated many churches,
gained many ſouls to God, and departing to him was
buried in the ſame city, about the year 650. His re-
mains were tranſlated io Wincheſter- by biſhop Hedda,
and there laid in the church of SS. Peter and Paul. Of
the painted windows in Dorcheſter church which have
eſcaped the fury of the plunderers, Mr. Hearne in his
notes on William of Newborough, vol. 3. p. 773. makes
this remark, © I know of no truly religious perſon but
what is affected with what now remains of the hiſtorical
painting in Dorcheſter windows, relating to Birinus's
voyage thither, and his converting the heathens. See
on S. Birinus, Robert of Glouceſter's chronicle, p. 247.
Bede, l. 3. c. J. and Neve's Faſti Anglicani, p. 137,
283. 22
(a) The ſees of Saliſbury, Exeter, Wells, Litchfield, Worceſter
and Hereford, were afterward formed out of this of Dorcheſter,
which was ſoon transferred to Wincheſter. For Agilbert, a F renche
man, who ſucceeded St. Birinus, underſtood not ſufficiently the Eng-
liſh language; for which reaſon he returned to France in 660, 108
being appointed biſhop of the Weſt-Saxons, at Wincheſter, 'Eleu-
therius, and after him Hedda, in 676, ſucceeded in that ſee in the
ſame place. King Oſwy appointed in 650, Dwyna, biſho of Litch-
field, for the Midland Engliſh. In the ſame country of Mercia —
ther biſhopric was erected, in 678, when Eadhead was made bi —
of Sidnaceſter; this ſee was removed to Legeceſter, now Levee *
io 87a, and ſoon after to Dorcheſter, which continued the ſee 4
biſhops of Eaſt Mercia and Lyndſey, till in 1072, the biſhop Preful.
ius of Feſchamp tranſlated it to Lincoln, See Godwin, de
Aung]. ed. nov. and Le Neve, p. 138.
Dec.
St.
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001
Dec. 3. SL LUCIVU $, King; C. 63
St. Sol A, Hermit. This faint was an Engliſhman,
who following St. Boniface into Germany, became his
diſciple, and the faithful imitator of his virtues, and was
ordained prieſt by him. Called by the facred impulſe
of the Holy Ghoſt into the deſert, the more ſecurely to
find the narrow way that leads to life, by the advice of
his experienced maſter he retired into the wilderneſs of
Solenhoven upon the banks of the river Altmona, near
Ayſchſtat, where in a little cell, remote from man, he
paſſed his days with God, making penance and holy
prayer his only buſineſs. After the martyrdom of Sr.
Boniface the holy brothers Willibald, the biſhop, and
Wunebald, the prieſt, were his patrons, and often vi-
ſited him to kindle in their ſouls the flame of his hea-
venly defires by his ſpiritual converſation, King Charles
beſtowed on him a conſiderable piece of land: but the
faint transferred it on the abbey of Fulde. That prince
took every occaſion of teſtifying the higheſt eſteem for
bis ſanctity: but the man of God was dead to all hu-
man honours and applauſe, and ſhewed by his conduct
that the whole world is nothing to one who ſeeks God
alone, He departed to our Lord on the 3d of Decem-
ber in 990. A chapel was built where his oratory had
ſtood, and his body was taken up and enſhrined by the
authority of pope Gregory IV. about the year 830.
dee his life written by Ermenoldus, in 840, in Caniſius,
Lectiones Antiqu. T. 3. and Mabill. Sæc. 3. Ben.
St. Lucius, King, C. We ate informed by Bede,
(1) that in the reign of Marcus Antoninus Verus, and
urehus Commodus, a Britiſh king, named Lucius, ſent
a lettef to pope Eleutherius, intreating, that by his di-
rection he might be made a Chriſtian. This muſt have
appened about the year 182. Lucius muſt have reign-
«din ſome part of Britain, which was ſubject to the Ro-
maus, as his name indicates. Tacitus (2) mentions
Fraſutagus, king of the Iceni, in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cam-
tidgeſhire, and Huntingdonſhire, who at his death
made the emperor Nero his heir, hoping by that-means
s People would be ſecured from injuries; whereas the
(1) Hiſt, I. 1. c. "IN (2) Tacit. Annal. I. 14. c. 31
8 s. LUCIUS, king. C. Dec. 3
contrary fell out; for the country was plundered by
centurions and ſlaves. The fame hiſtorian mentions,
(3) chat certain cities were given to Codigunus, © accord-
ing to the ancient and received cuſtom of the Roman
people, to make even kings the inſtruments of the fla-
very of nations, as he obſerves. That Lucius was a
chriſtian king in Britain 1s proved by two medals men-
tioned by Ulher, (4) and one by Bouterue. Bede tells
us, that by his embaſly to Eleutherius he obtained the
effect of his pious requeſt ;; and that the Britons enjoy-
ed the light of faith in peace till the reign of Diocle-
ſian. Lucius therefore was the firſt chriſtian king in
Europe ; it no where appears in what part of Britain he
reigned. The records of Glaſtenbury abbey, quoted by
Malmeſbury, and others mentioned by Uſher, (5) tell
us, that St. Eleutherius ſent over to Britain SS. Fugatius
and Damianus, (rather Dumianus or Duvianus), who
baptized king Lucius, and many. others, and were buri-
ed at Glaſtenbury. In Somerſetſhire in the Deane:y of
Dunſtor there is a pariſh church which bears the name
of St. Deruvian, as Stow teſtifies. This faint is called
by the Welch Duvian, or Dwy wan, ſays Uſher. The
chriſtian faith had reached Britain in the times of the
apoſtles. St. Clement 1. pope, affirms, that St. Paul
preached. to the utmoſt bounds of the Weſt. Gildas
ſays, (6) the firſt dawn of the evangelical light appeared
in this iſland about the eighth year of Nero. Theodo-
ret names the Britons as a nation in which St. Paul fow-
ed the ſeeds of faith; and in another place ſays, that
this apoſtle brought ſalvarion to the iſlands that lie in the
ocean. Three Britiſh biſhops aſſiſted at the council of
Arles, in 314, namely, Eborius of York, Reſtitutus of
London, and Adelfius, who is ſtyled De civitate Colone
Londinenffum'; which biſhop Uſher takes to have been
Colcheſter; but many more probably underſtand by it
Lincoln, 'anciently' called Lindum Colonia. Allo _
rain Britiſh biſhops ſubſcribed the council of Nice again
G vn. Agricale, e 34. (4) Antiq. Briten. c. 3. P. 2
Guthrie, kunt of 2 A* (5) Uther, ib. C. 4 2743
Harpsfield, |. 1. c. 3, (6) Gildas, $ 6. T. 1. Script.
Brit. ed. Gale, p. 3. 3B 39% off 2
tom,
tiani
We
Dee. 3.
8. LUCIUS, King, C. 65
the Arians. The teſtimonies of St. Juſtin, (4) St. Ire-
næus, (8) Tertullian, (9) Euſebius, (to) St. Chryſoſ-
tom, (11) and Theodoret, (12) demonſtrate that chriſ-
tianity had got footing in Britain very ſoon after Chriſt.
We cannot therefore wonder that a prince ſhould have
embraced the faith in this iſland in the ſecond century:
nor do the objections which ſome have raiſed, deſerve
notice.
Schelſtrate, the learned prefect of the Vatican
Library, in his diſſertation on the patriarchal authority,
tranſcribes the following words from an ancient manu-
kript hiſtory of the kings of England, kept in the Va-
tican library: Lucius ſent a letter to pope Eleutherius
that he might be made a Chriftian, and he obtained his
requeſt.” The fame learned author copies the follow-
ing teſtimony from an ancient catalogue of the
written in the time of the emperor Juſtinian, as we are
aſſured by the title, found in the library of Chriſtina,
queen of Sweden: Eleutherins received a letter from
Lucius, ki
ng of Britain, who deſired to be made a Chriſ-
tan by his command.” (a) |
(5) 8. Juſtin, Dial. p. 343.
9) Tertul. L cont. 1 — 5
28 Ho N |
ue, & Or. Quod Chriſtus fit Deus, T. 1, p. 575.
oret, de Curandis Græcor. affect. l. 9.
Origen, Hom, 6. in Luc. |
(a) Some moderns think the Britiſh chriſtian king Lucius only
fodk his
call him
(8) S. Iren. I. 1. c. 2.
(10) Euſ. Hiſt. I. 2. e 3.
ryſ. Hom. 1. de laudibus Pauli, T. 2. p. 477; ed. Mont-
(.) Theo-
4. p. 610. See alſo
nomen upon receiving the Light of Faith, The We
er Maur, that is, Great Light, As St. Elian, who about
the year 450, founded the church of Lian Elian in Angleſea, is called
by them Cunnaid, that is, Brightneſs, See Rowland
1 ml 156. Some think Lueius was a deſcendant of Cogi-
» Whom
Eeſterſhire, Kc.)
$ Mona Anti-
laudies conſtituted king of the Dobuni, (in Glo-
Claudia ſeems to have been the daughter of this
Cogidunus, and to have been ſo culled in honour of Claudius. She
married to Pudens, a Roman ſenator, Whilſt he was in Britain.
h became Chriſtians at Rome, as appears from St. Paul, an. 66.
Tim. iv. 21. where he ſends their greetings to Timothy. She
mas called Claudia Rufina, and celebrated by Martial, I. 4. Epigr. 13.
and |. 11. Epigr. 34. She might prevail with Laicius, perhaps her
poor, to embrace the faith.
It is temarkable that the two moſt
ted ladies who became Chriftians at Rome, il the time of the
Vol. XII.
poltles, were both Britons, — and Poinponia Græcina, ==
66 | 8. LUCIUS, King, C.
a Dec. 3.
We are told by moſt Bavarian and German hiſtorians
that king Lucius reſigning his kingdom preached the
faith firſt in Noricum and Vindelicia, principally at
Auſburg, and being baniſhed thence, in Rhœtia, eſpe-
cially at Coire. But Bruſchius confeſſes, that it is un-
certain who that Lucius was, who preached the faith in
thoſe parts, and founded the church of Coire, where he
has been honoured among the firſt apoſtles of that
church from its infancy. . Whilſt he preached among
the Griſons ſtorms raiſed by the infidels obliged him to
fly into the deſert, and there lie concealed. in a place
which is called to this. day San# Lucis Steig, or the Hill
of St. Lucius. He afterward retired into a cavern a
mile diſtant, which retains the name of Sand Lucis
Lochlin, At go: he, is ſaid to have fallen into the
hands of the perſecutors, and been condemned to death
by the Roman lieutenant of the province, and beheaded
in the fortreſs of Martiola, towards the latter end of the
ſecond. century. There ſtands an ancient monaſtery
near Coire, which bears the name of St. Lucius, and
his feaſt is kept in that dioceſs with great ſolemnity.
Portions of his relicks are preſerved in the church of
St. Francis, and in that of the Jeſuits, at Auſburg. See
on the converſton of the Britiſh king, Uſher Antiq.
of Aulus Plautius.. Carte fancies, that Lucius reigned beyond the
Picts wall, was cotemporary to Conſtantius Chlorus, and the fame
perſon with Cenau, ſon of Coil, whom he ſuppoſes to have been fa-
thet of St. Helen, and king of the Cumbri, extended from Lam
caſhire to Dunbritton on the north ſide of the Cluid, in Scotland. Io
this ſyſtem Lucius was brother - in- law to Conſtantius, uncle to Con-
ſtantine the Great, and might build churches, create epiſcopal ſees,
and eftabliſh chriſtianity. This conjecture he founds upon theſe cit-
ceumſtances, that the Britiſh and Scottiſh writers make Lucius the ſon
of Coil; that Coila, now ſpelt Kyle in Scotland, takes its name from
a Britiſh prince, and the two Britiſh coins of Lucius bear with the
word Luc. the figure of the croſs, which Spanheim the Younger pre-
tends not to have been ſtamped upon any coin before Conſtantines
traditis eonverſionibus Lucij Regis, Juliz Mammez, et Philippi Imp.
victory in 312. See Fred. Reg 3 T. z. Miſcellan. Append. De .
- Viſquiſitio tripartita, p. 300. I. 2, op.) Alſo Sam. Baſnage, (An-
nal. ad an, 181. n. 3.) and Carte's Hiſt. of England, vol. 1. p. 137:
But in this ſyſtem the poſitive authority of Bede, &c. 1s ſet aſide,
a complication of conjectures ſubſtituted in lieu of biſtorical fact
gratitui
that in
by the
to the \
ſaint w.
exerciſe
mand
nels, at
Co *
rians
the
y at
eſpe-
s un-
th in
re he
that
nong
m to
place
> Hill
ern a
Lucis
> the
death
eaded
of the
aftery
„ and
See
Antiq.
ond the
ze ſame
been fa-
m Lan
nd, In
to Con-
pal ſees,
heſe cir-
the ſon
me from
vith the
-
Dec, 44 S. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, B. C. 67
Brit,” c. 3. Stillingfleet, Orig. c. 11. Selden, Analect.
Anglö Britan. c. 6. T. 2. p. 895. Alford, Annal. Britan.
ad an. 182. Baron. ad an. 183. Collier, Hiſt. Eccl,
Brit, T. 1. Tillemont, T. 3. p. 62, and 615. Anno-
tationes in ed. Roman, Anaſtaſij Bibl. T. 1. p. 15. &
T. 3. p. 139. Guthrie, Hiſt. of England, T. r. On
ot, 74545 who is honoured as the firſt apoſtle of Nori-
cum, Vindelicia and Rhcetia, that is, of Bavaria, the
Griſons, and part of Auſtria, ſee F. Sprecher, Palladis
Rhceticz, 1. 2. F. Rader, Bavaria Sancta, T. 1. p. 14.
and the Breviary of Coire.
D R CZE M B ER W.
K PETER CHRYSOLOGUS,
Archbiſhop of Ravenna,' C.
From his works, Rubeus in his elegant hiſtory of Ravenna, I. 2.
Ughelli, Italia Sacra, T. 2. and Deſcriptio- Patenæ ejus, &c. a
Joan. Paſtritio, in quarto, Rome 1706. Agnellus, a ſchiſmatic
of Ravenna, in the ninth age, in his Pontifical of. Ravenna, or
Lives of the Biſhops, publiſhed by Muratori, Ital. Rerum Scrip-
tores, T. 2. p. 53. with notes, by which many miſtakes of Ru-
beus and Agnellus are correted. See alſo Muratori, Spicilegium
Ravennat. Hiſt, T. 1, part 2. p. 529. and Ceillier, T. 14. p. 11.
A. D. 450.
—
yr PETER was a native of Imola, antiently called
Forum Cornelii, a town in the eccleſiaſtical ſtate, near
Ravenna, He was taught, the ſacred ſciences, and or-
dained deacon by Cornelius, biſhop of that city, of
whom he always ſpeaks with veneration, and the utmoſt
gratitude. (1) He calls him his father, and tells us,
that in his whole conduc all virtues ſhone forth, and that
by the bright luſtre of his great actions he was known
to the whole world. Under his prudent direction our
ſaint was formed to perfect virtue from his youth, by the
crereiſes of an interior life, and underſtood that to com-
mand his paſſions, 'and govern himſelf was true great-
neſs, and the only means of learning to put on the ſpi-
(98s, Peter Chryſo), Serm. 107. and 165,
F 2
8 8. PETER CHKYSOLOGHUS, B. C. Dec. 4.
rit of Chrift. For by the oracle of «ruth we are aſſured
that to bear well an injury is ſomething far more heroic
than to variquith nations, and when the noon-day l
ſhalt break in upon us, and diſpel the darkneſs with
which we are at prefent encommpaſſed, we ſhall moſt clear-
ly ſee that the leaft act of perfect meekneſs, humility,
refignatiory or patience; is of greater value than the
gaining ot miſſions of worlds, This is the moſt glori-
ons triumph by which God is hononred in us, and «
lou} enjoys interiof peace, and his holy grace; all her
affections being regulated by, and ſabjected to his will
in all things. This domeſtic victory is ſomething too
great to be obtained without earneſtneſs, and the difh-
culties which ſtand in the way, are not to be vanquiſhed
or rembved but by conſtant watchfulnneſp and application. -
The more eaſily to accoftplifh this great and arduous
work of ſubduing and regulating his paſſions, and form-
ing the ſpirit of Chriſt in his Gul, he embraced a mo-
naſtic ftatc; and had ſerved God in it with great fer-
vour and hefiplicity for ſome time when he was placed
in the archiepiſcopal ſee of Ravenna. (a) The arch.
biſhop John dying about the year 430, the clergy of
that church with the le choſe a ſucceſſor, and in-
treated the biffiop of Imola to go at the head of their
deputies to Rome to obtain the confirmation of pope
Sixtus III. Cornelius took with him his deacon Peter,
and tlie pope (who, according to the hiſtoriaf of Ne-
venna, had been commanded ſo to do by a viſion the
foregoing night) refuſed to ratify the eleftion already
made, and propoſed Peter as the perſon deſigned by
heaven for that poſt 7 in which, after forme oppoſition
the deputies acquiefced.
Our faint after receiving the epiſcopal conſecration
was conducted to Ravenna, and there received with
(e) It is telated by fome moderns, that St. Aderitvs, the nome
diate ſucceſſor of St. Apollinaris, and eleven other ſnoceſlive bilop
of that ſee to St. Severus; alſo St. Peter II. or Chryſologus, wer an
mifaculouſly choſen by a dove appearing over their heads. anne”
makes it a ſubject of enquiry, whether this tory did not rake 187
from pictures in which the Holy Ghoſt was drawn under that em
to expreſs that he had preſided in their eleRions: .
$ will
3 too
difh-
ſhed
ation.
duous
form-
a mo-
it fer-
Nec, 4+ S. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, B. Co. 69
extraordinary. joy, the emperor Valentinian HI. and his
mother Galla Placidia, then reſiding in that city. The
holy biſhop extenuated his body by faſting, and offered
his tears to God for the ſins of his people, whom he ne-
ver ceaſed to teach no leſs by example than by words,
When he entered on his charge, he found large remains
of pagan ſuperſtition in his dioceſs, and ſeveral abuſes
had crept in among the faithful in ſeveral parts: but the
total extirpation of the former, and the reformation of
the latter were the fruit of the holy paſtor's zealous la-
bours. The town of Claſſis, ſituate on the coaft, was
then the port of Ravenna, fromm which it was three
miles diſtant : St. Peter built there a fountain near the
great church; alſo St. Andrew's monaſtery. He em-
ployed an extenſive charity and unwearied vigilance in
tavour of his flock, which he fed aſiduouſſy with the
bread of life, the word of God. We have a hundred
and ſeyenty-ſix of his diſcourſes ſtill extant, collected
by Felix, archhiſhop of Ravenna, in 7508. They are
all very ſhort ; for he was afraid of fatiguing the atten-
ton of his hearers. (2) He joins great elegance with
extreme breyity. His ftyle has nothing ſwelling or
forced, though it is made up of ſhort ſentences or
phraſes, which have a natural connection together; the
words are very fit, ſimple, and natural, and the de-
(criptions ealy and clear. Yet his diſcourſes are rather
inſtructiye than pathetic ; and though the doctrine is ex-
Plained in them at large, we meet with little that quick-
eus or affects much. Neither can theſe diſcourſes be re-
garded as models of true eloquence, though his repu-
ation as a preacher ran ſo high as to procure him the
ame of Chryſologus, which is as much as to ſay,
that his ſpeeches were of gold or excellent. He ftrong-
ly recommends frequent communion, that the holy eu-
chariſt which he uſually calls the body of Chriſt, and in
vhich, he lays, we eat Chriſt Himſelf, may be the daily
bread of our ſouls. (3) He every where extols the ex-
cellency, and inculcates the obligation af almſdeeds,
Prayer and faſting; the ſorty days faſt of Lent, he ſays,
(2). 87. Pet. Chryſ. ſerm. 36. 86. 120. 122. (3) Serm, 63.
67, 68, &c
/
70 S. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, B. c. Dec.
is not a human invention, but of divine authority. (4)
Thoſe whoſe health does not permit them to faſt the
| Whole forty days, he exhorts to redeem by abundant
alms what they are not able to accompliſh by faſting. (5)
Among the remains of heatheniſh ſuperſtition, which
he laboured to extirpate, he reckons the riotous man-
ner of celebrating the New-Year's Day; of which he
ſays.: * He who will divert himſelf with the devil, can
never reign with. Chriſt,” (6) It appears that he often
2 in preſence of the emperor, and of the catho-
ic empreſs, Placidia, mother of three children, Valen-
tinian III. Placidia and Eudocia. (75) He ſays, that the
epiſcopal ſee of Ravenna had been lately raiſed to the
metropolitical, dignity by the - pope, and by the favour
of a chriſtian prince. (8) For though Ravenna had been
long the metropolis of the Flaminian province or vica-
riat, the biſhop continued ſuffragan to the archbiſhop of
Milan, till about the time that St, Peter Chryſologus
was exalted to this dignity. Eutyches, the hereſiarch,
having been condemned by St. Flavian, addreſſed a cit-
cular letter to the moſt diſtinguiſhed prelates in the
church in his own juſtification. Our faint in the an-
ſwer which he ſent him, told him that he had read his
letter with ſorrow : for if the peace of the church cauſes
joy in heaven, diviſions ought to beget ſadneſs and grief;
that the myſtery of the incarnation, though inexplica-
ble, is delivered to us by the divine law, and to be be.
lieved in the ſimplicity of faith. He therefore exhorted
him to acquieſce, not to diſpute, having before his eyes
the rocks upon which Origen, Neſtorius and others had
ſplit, by taking that method. In 448, our faint received
St. Germanus of Auxerre with great honour at Ravenna,
and after his death eſteemed it no ſmall happinels to
inherit his cowl and hair-ſhirt. He did not long furvive:
for in 452, when Attila approached Ravenna, John,
St. Peter's ſucceſſor, held this ſee, and went out to mect
him, The faint being forewarned of his approaching
death, returned to Imola, his own country, and there
gave to the church of St. Caſſian a golden crown fel
(4) Serm. 12. (5) Serm. 156, (6) Serm. in Calencas
(7) Serm. 130. (8) Serm. 175, |
ſeſſes
his va
true r.
greate
virtue
and ot
ſtandit
thinkiy
taſte,
eſſenti;
Dn. TJ BARBARA ACE -
with jewels, a gold cup and a ſilver paten, preſerved to
this day with great reverence, and famed for miracles.
Peter died at Imola, probably on the 2d of December,
450, and was buried there in St. Cathan's church. The
greateſt part of his relicks are preſerved there; but one
arm is kept in a rich caſe at Ravenna.
Learning is recommended by reaſon, authority and
the example of the ſaints, and next to virtue is daubt-
leſs the greateſt improvement of the human mind, and
inſtrument of piety and religion. By it the nobleman
is qualified for the ſuperior rank he holds among men,
is made capable of directing himſelf and others, is
drawn off from ſotting, debauchery and idleneſs, poſ-
ſeſſes the art of filling moſt uſefully and agreeably all
his vacant hours, and acquires a reliſh for the pleaſure of
true rational knowledge, than which man can enjoy no
greater or more noble, except thoſe which piety and
virtue infuſe. By exerciſe and application the memo
and other powers of the ſoul are perfected, the under-
ſanding is furniſhed with true ideas and a juſt way of
thinking, and the judgment acquires true juſtneſs and
taſte. In a paſtor of ſouls and miniſter of religion how
eſſential the qualification of a conſummate ſkill in ſa-
cred learning is, it is needleſs to ſhew, the infinite
obligations of that charge making it manifeſt to all
men. How grievous then is the crime of thoſe who
are engaged in this ſtate, yet idly throw away the time
they owe to the ſtudy of the facred writings, to holy
meditation, and application to the ſcience of morality
and the pulpit ?
On THE SAME Dar.
St. BARBARA, V. M. This holy virgin and martyr
Is honoured with particular devotion 1 ik Latin, Greek.
. uſcovite and Syriac calendars. But her hiſtory is ob-
. by a variety of falſe acts. Baronius prefers-thoſe
28 us, that ſhe was a ſcholar of Origen, and ſuf-
— martyrdom at Nicomedia, in the reign of Maxi-
yp the Firſt, who raiſed the ſixth general perſecution
Jo r the murder of Alexander Severus, in 225. But
Pt Aſſemani ſhews the Acts which we have in Meta-
%2 8. A N N O, B. C. Dec. 4.
phraſtes and Mombritius to be the moſt exact and ſin-
cere. By theſe we are informed that St. Barbara ſuffer-
ed at Heliopolis, in Egypt, in the reign of Galerius,
about the year 306. This account agrees with the em-
peror Baſil's Menology, and the Greek Synaxary. There
ſtood an old monaſtery near Edeſſa, which bore her
name. (1) See Jol. Aſſemani in Calend. Univ. T. 6
p. 408.
St. Anno, Archbiſhop of Cologn, C. Anno, a
young nobleman, ſerved in the army, but was very
young when by the exhortations of an uncle, a pious
canon of Bamberg, he renounced all earthly purſuits,
and dedicated himſelf to God in an eccleſiaſtical ſtate at
Bamberg. His improvement in virtue and learning was
much ſpoke of at court, and the emperor Henry 11],
or The Black, called him near his perſon : and ſome
time after nominated him provoſt of Goſlar, in Lower
Saxony, and in 1056, archbiſhop of Cologn. The
tears he abundantly ſhed during the whole ceremony of
his conſecration were a proof of his ſincere humility
and devotion. The fcot of the altar was his ſoul's de-
light, comfort and refuge. The poor he ſought out in
their cottages, and carried them ſometimes on his own
ſhoulders blankets and other neceſſaries. He faſted
much, watched the [greateſt part of the night, ſubdued
his body with hair-ſhirts, and preached to his flock with
the aſſiduity and the zeal of a St. Paul, He reformed
all the monaſteries of his dioceſs, and built two of Re-
gular Canons at Cologn, and three of Benedictins in
other parts. After the death of Henry III. Anno wa
choſen by the empreſs Agnes and the ates, regent and
prime miniſter during the minority of Henry IV. Flat
terers and debauched companions poiſoned the mind d
the young prince, who growing impatient at his remoly
ſtrances, at length removed him from the helm; but
the extortions and injuſtices of thoſe whom he employed
raiſed ſo loud a cry for recalling Anno, that in 107%
the adminiſtration of affairs was again committed 10
him. He died on the 4th of December, in 1075:
(1) Jof. Aſſemani Bibl. Orient. T. 1. p. 63.
Dec. S. OSMUND, B. e. 7
name occurs in the Roman martyrology. See his life
written by Lambert, author of the chronicle of Aſchaf-
fenburg. Fleury, b. 60. and Surius.
St, OsMUND,. Biſhop, C. Oſmund (ſometimes writ-
ten Oſimund, Edimund, or Edmund) was count of
Seez, in Normandy, and came over with William the
Conqueror, by whom he was created earl of Dorſet.
His life in the world was that of a faint in all the difficult
ſtates of a courtier, ſoldier and magiſtrate. Brompton
tells us, that he was for ſome time lord high-chancellor
of England, But the favour of his prince, and the
ſmiles of fortune had no charms to a heart which loved
and valued only heavenly goods ; and he who had long
| y the world as if he eryoyed it not, fled naked out
of Egypt, carrying nothing of its deſires or ſpirit with
him into the ſanctuary, and embracing an eccleſiaſtical
ſtate, he choſe to become poor in the houſe of the Lord.
His ſanctity and great abilities were too well known for
him to be allowed to enjoy long his beloved obſcurity,
and in 1078, he was forced from his ſolitude, and con-
lecrated biſhop of Saliſbury, (a) where his predeceſſor
(a) This ſee was firſt erected at Shireburne, in the reign of Ina,
king of the Weſt-Saxons, who procured the biſhopric of Wincheſter
to be divided into two, and the counties of Dorſet, Somerſet, Wilt-
ſhire, Devon and Cornwall to be aſſigned to the biſhopric of Shire»
burne about the year 705. In 905 this was again divided, and
Wiltſhire and Somerſetſhire allotted to a new biſhopric which was
erected at Wilton, then the capital city. Biſhop Herman, in 1050,
united again the two ſees of Shireburne, and Wilton, and a little
elore his death, in 1077, removed his reſidence from Wilton to Sa-
ury, two miles diſtant : from which time Wilton ſunk fo low as
out of twelve churches to have only one. Old Saliſbury was a good
un ever ſince the time of the Romans, was famous for its ſtrong
caſtle, and ſtood on a hill a mile from the river Avon. Biſhop Her-
man haviag removed hither his ſee, St. Oſmund his ſucceſſor, erected
there his cathedral and palace, of which no token is now ſtanding
only a chapel of St. Mary. Want of water and diſputes with the
earl of Salifbury, who had always a garriſon in the caſtle, moved the
ſhops to build themſelves a houſe at Harpham village, a mile off,
8255 the Avon; and the inhabitants following them thither, Old
euern was deſerted, and New Saliſbury was built in this agreeable
ation. Its origin may be dated in 1219, when the cathedral in
aour of the Blefſed Virgin was begun by the learned gy"
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Herman had juſt before fixed his ſee, St. Oſmund
built the cathedral in honour of the Bleſſed Virgin, in
1087, placed therein thirty-ſix canons, and dedicated
the ſame in 1092 : and this fabric being burnt by light.
ning, he rebuilt it in 1099. St. Oſmund was very ri-
gorous in the ſacrament of penance, and extended his
charity ſo far as often to attend criminals in perſon to
the place of execution. In March 1095s, in the aſſem-
bly of Rockingham (1) he was fo far impoſed upon, as
to be drawn into the meaſures of thoſe who in compla-
cency to the king oppoſed St. Anſelm : but ſoon opened
his eyes, repented, begged the archbiſhop's abſolution,
and continued eyer after his moſt ſtead fiend. Being
in every thing zealous for the beauty of God's houſe, he
made many pious foundations, beautified ſeveral church-
es, and erected a noble library for the uſe of his church;
Throughout his whole diocels he placed able and zealous
paſtors, and had about his perſon learned clergymen
and monks. Many whom the Conqueror invited over
from France, and advanced to the firſt dignities in
the Engliſh church, both ſecular and regular, were for
introducing the particular eccleſiaſtical rites and offices
of the places from which they came : whence great con-
fuſion was occaſioned in the abbey of Glaſtenbury, un-
der Thurſton, a Norman, from Caen, whom the king
had nominated abbot there, and in other places. To
remove this inconvenience, and to regulate ſo important
a part of the divine ſervice with the utmoſt decency,
iety and devotion, St. Oſmund compiled the Uſe, or
Breviary, Miſſal and Ritual ſince called, Of Sarum, for
his church: wherein he aſcertained all the rubricks which
(1) Eadmer, Hiſt. Novor. L. 1. p. 40. & |. 2. p. 45. Conc. T. 10.
p- 494. |
chard Poure. It was forty years in building under three kings Na-
chard I. John and Henry III. and was conſecrated in 1258. It York
and Lincoln cathedrals are more ſtately, this is the molt regular Go-
thic buildingan the kingdom, in _ 478 feet; in breadth in the
body 76 feet, in the lower great croſs-iſle 2 10 feet, in the upper ole
150 feet; in height to the vaulting eighty feet: the fine ſpire ſo
juſtly admired, is 410 feet high: the cloiſter is 160 feet ſquare. | -
land's Itinerary, T. 3. p. 76. 81. Dr. Brown Willis, On Mir
Abbeys, T. 2. Le Neve's Faſti Anglicani, p. 256.
text ar
This a
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Mitred
Dec. 4. 5. OSMUND, B. C. 75
were before not ſufficiently determinate, or where books
were inconſiſtent with each other, as it often happened,
while tranſcribers took the liberty of varying from their
copies : he adjuſted and ſettled the ceremoniale of divine
worſhip in points that were before left to the diſcretion
of them that officiated, which created confuſion and diſ-
agreement in the celebration of the divine office, though
all churches agreed in the ſubſtance, and, as Mr. John-
ſon obſerves, (2) it was eſtabliſhed here by our firſt con-
verters, to ſay the divine office in Latin, which conti-
nued till the reign of Edward VI. Several other Eng-
liſh biſhops made U/es or books of rubricks and rituals
which in certain accidental points differ from thoſe of
Sarum, though this latter was ſo much approved as to
be adopted in moſt dioceſſes of this kingdom, (6) till in
the reign of queen Mary ſo many of the clergy obtained
ticular licenſes of cardinal Pole, to ſay the Roman
reviary, (3) that this became univerſally received.
St, Oſmund wrote the life of St. Aldhelm, and diſ-
dained not when he was biſhop, to copy and bind books
with his own hand. The faint though zealous for the
falvation of others, and for the public worſhip of God,
was always folicitous in the firſt place for the ſanctifica-
tion of his own ſoul. Being perfectly dead to the world,
(2) Johnſon Gen. Pref. to Engliſh Canons, p. 17. (3) See
r Card. Poli in Anglia MS. in Bibl. Coll. Angl. Duac. 5
olio. |
(6) This appears from the conſtitutions of Henry Chichley, arch-
biſhop of Canterbury, 'anno 1416, art. 2, And Ralph Higden teſti-
hes, (ad an. 1077;) „ that Oſmund drew up an Ordinal, which was
received by almoſt all England, Ireland and Wales.” This Or-
.Ginal,” fays Johnſon, (T. 2. ad an. 1416.) “ was a book by which
all the differences are reduced to one certain form, both as to the
text and rubricks, and what was before doubtful was aſcertained.”
This author obſerves, that this Ordinal is improperly called by ſome
2 new liturgy ; which no biſhop is allowed to frame. St. Oſmund
only adjuſted the uncertainties, and ſupplied certain defects in the ſe-
res, rubricks and directions for choral ſervice; he ſhould have ad-
ded, in the accidental prayers. For his Ordiral contained a new
'itual, miſſal and breviary, or a complete regulation of the rules and
ceremonies to be obſerved in them, and a preſcription of the particu-
lar prayers which a biſhop was allowed to preſcribe for his dioceſs,
_ this was reſerved to the. pope for the fake of greater unifor-
76 s. MARUTHAS, B. c. Dec.
he was totally a ſtranger to ambition and covetouſneſß,
and lived in continual war with the pleaſures of the
ſenſes. His patience having been exerciſed, and his
ſoul purified by a lingering ſickneſs, he departed to God,
whole glory alone he had ſought on earth, on the night
before the 4th of December, in 1099. He was buried
in his cathedral ; his venerable remains were afterward
tranſlated into the new cathedral, and in 1457 were de-
fited in the chapel of our Lady in that church. His
1 ſhrine was deſtroyed in the reign of Henry
VIII. his bones remain fil] interred in the ſame chapel,
and are covered with a marble ſlab, on which is the in-
ſcription only of the year M, XCIX. He was ſolemnly
cononized by Calixtus III. in 1456. See Malmeſbur,
de Pontif. Ang]. J. 2. fol. 142. Godwin, de Præſulibus
Angliz cum Annot, per D. Ricardum, T. 1. p. 337:
Brompton, Chron. p. 976. Knyghton, I. 2. p. 1381.
Waverleienſes Annales (inter Hiſt, Ang]. 5. Oxoniz
1687) Anno 1092. Wikes, Chronicon Sarifh. monal-
ſterij (ib.) an. 1092. Petrus Bleſ. ep. 133. not. p. 747-
Floreatius, Simeon Dunelm. Obituar. Sarum, S. An-
ſelm. J. 3. ep. 30. Tanner, in Bibl. Brit. p. 515. Chron.
S. Crucis Edinburg. ap. Wharton in Anglia Sacra, I.
1. p. 189. Alford, Annal. an. 1091, &c. Hiſt, Later.
de la Fr. T.8. p. 573. |
St. MaxuTHas, B. C. This holy prelate was an
illuſtrious father of the Syriac church, about the end
of the fourth century; and was biſhop of Tagrit, in
Meſopotamia, at that time ſubject to the Oriental em-
pire, though near the borders of Perſia. He compiled
the Acts of the martyrs who ſuffered in that kingdom
during the forty years of Sapor's perſecution, from 340
to 380, part of which valuable collection has been reco-
vered and - publiſhed by Stephen Aſſemani, in 174.
St. Maruthas wrote ſeveral hymns in praiſe of!
martyrs which together with others of St. Ephrem, ade
_ inſerted in the Ghaldaic divine office, and are ſung by
the Maronites, Jacobites, and Neſtorians, who uſe that
tongue in the church office. St. Maruthas gathered the
relicks of many Perſian martyrs, and diſtributed them
Dec. 4,
uſneſs,
of the
nd his
0 God,
2 night
buried
erward
ſulibos
„ 337.
1351,
)xoniæ
monal
p. 747.
8. An-
pee l. 8. MARUTHAS, B. c. 77
over the Roman empire, that the people might every
where receive the divine bleſſing by thoſe ſacted pledges.
Kegerdes having aſcended the Perſian throne, in 401,
St. Maruthas made a journey to Conſtantinople in 403,
in order to induce Arcadius to uſe his intereſt with the
new king in favour of the diftreſſed Chriſtians. But he
found the court too much embroiled in carrying on an
unjuſt perſecution againſt St. Chryſoftom. Maruthas
haſtened back into Meſopotamia. - The year following
he made a ſecond journey to Conftantinople, and St.
Chryſoſtom recommended him to the widow Olympias,
entteating her to aſſiſt him, and promote what he him-
{elf had begun in favour of the church of Perſia, for
which he expreffed an extraordinary zeal. (1) Theodo-
ids the Youriget having ſucceeded his father in the em-
pire, honoured St. Maruthas with the commiſſions of
two ſucceſſive embaſſies to Iſdegerdes, to ſettle a laſting
peace between the two empires. The Perſian monarch
conceived the higheſt eſteem for the ſaint, and by his
prayers was ctired of a violent head-ach, which his Ma-
gians had not been able to relieve, as Socrates relates.
(2) This hiſtorian adds, that the king from that time
uſually called him The friend of God: and the Magians
feating that the prince ſhould be brought over by him
to the chriſtiari faith, had recourſe to a wicked and baſe
contrivanicce. They hid a man under the ground in the
temple, who when the King came to adore the perpe-
tual fire, cried aut: Drive out of this holy place the
king who impiouſly believes a prieſt of the Chriſtians.”
des hereupon was going to. diſmiſs the biſhop":
but Maruthas perfuaded the King to go again to the fa-
cred place, aſſuring him that by cauſing the floor to be
opened, he would diſcover a wicked impoſture. The
king did ſo; and the iſſue was, that he commanded the
Fans who attended the place to be decitnated, and
eile gave Maruthas leave to etect churches wherever
pleaſed. The holy biſhop rebuilt a confiderable
amber in ſeveral parts of Perſia, and in his ſecond em-
lly thither made a long tay, and Held two ſynods at
*bphon : in the latter in 414 Arianiſm wascotidethinned, -
(1) S. Chryf. dp. 14. (2) Soer. I. 7. c. 8.
78 S. S IRAN. A. C. Dec. 4
and ſeveral regulations of diſcipline were made. 8.
Maruthas in his old age returned into Meſopotamia, and
brought back with him many relicks of martyrs, and
_ enriched his own church with tuch a multitude that the
ity of Tagrit was from that time called Martyropolis.
mn The ule work of this father is a Syro-Chaldaic
Liturgy, which the Maronites, who employ that lan-
guage in celebrating the divine office, ſtill make uſe of
on certain days. A manuſcript copy of his Syriac com-
mentary on the goſpel of St. Matthew is preſerved in
the Vatican library: out of which, Joleph Aſſemani has
extracted many teſtimonies to prove the belief of the real
preſence of Chriſt's body in the Euchariſt, (3) An hiſtory
of the council of Nice, with the canons, tranſlated into
Syriac, compiled by St. Maruthas, is mentioned by
Ebedjeſus; which, if ever diſcovered will be a moſt va-
luable treaſure. This holy biſhop. died at his own lee
before the middle of the fifth century, and was there in-
terred. During the incurſions of the Perſians and Arabs
his body was conveyed into Egypt, where it ſtill remains
in an honourable monument in the monaſtery of =
Lady in the deſert of Scete, inhabited by Syrian mon
Stephen Aſſemani ſaw there a Syro-Chaldaic 9
containing a long hiſtory of the life of St. Maruthas, an
ſeveral of his writings; but was not able to N
copy. The Cophtiſts in Egypt honour St. Marut «a
the 1gth of February: the Syrians and Melchites 4 5
6th of that month: the Greeks and Latins on the 4t x
December. See Joſ. Aſſemani, in Bibl. Orient. a
Steph. Aſſemani, in Acta Mart. Orient. Alſo Socrates,
Sozomen, and Photius. Ceillier, T. 10. p. 466.
St. S{R AN, or SIGIR Axxus, Abbot in Berry, 7 *
was a native of Berry, and of noble extraction To *
in his youth at Tours, and was afterward cup- 4.3
king Clotaire II, Whilſt he lived at court Of
wore a rough hairſhirt under his garments, and To fie
the greateſt part of his time to holy prayer. K 57
himſelf up wholly to this heavenly exerciſe he yur 2
Orders at Tours in 625, and ſerved that churc
(3) See Ceillier, T. 10. p. 467.
Dec.
time
nitent
found
one C:
now £
with |
655.
his life
St.
Titus
his ſtu
nor, .
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Dec. 4. S. CLEMENT of Alexandria. 79
time in quality of archdeacon. In 640 he made a pe-
nitential pilgrimage to Rome, and after his return
founded two monaſteries in the dioceſs of Bourges, the
one called Meobec or Millepecus, and the other Lonrey,
now St. Siran's, near Maiſiers. This latter he governed
with great ſanctity till his death, which happened in
655, He is honoured in France among the ſaints. Sce
his life in Mabillon, Act. Ben.
St. CLEMENT of Alexandria, Father of the church.
Titus Flavius Clemens was a native of Athens, began
his ſtudies in Greece, continued them in Italy, Aſia Mi-
nor, Aſſyria, and Paleſtine, and ended his days in E-
gypt : for an infatiable delire of knowledge made him
compaſs almoſt the whole world to improve himſelf in
human literature. He mentions five eminent maſters
he had, one in Greece of the lonic ſect, (a) two in Ca-
labria, and two more in the Eaſt. He was well ſkilled
in the Platonic philoſophy, but leaned more to the prin-
ciples of the Stoics; and without tying himſelf to any
particular inſtitute, choſe freely what appeared moſt ex-
cellent wherever he found it. One of the maſters whom
te had in Paleſtine, was of Jewiſh extraction, and pro-
bably a Chriſtian : but the laſt he met with, whom he
preferred before all the others, was Pantænus, who taught
the catechetical ſchool at Alexandria. In. this ſearch of
truth he diſcovered the errors of idolatry, and came to
the light of faith: for when he was rich in all the opu-
lence of profane learning, he ſaw, nevertheleſs, that
there was another kind of knowledge of more impor-
tance to the happineſs of man, which was to be learned
only from religion. From that inſtant his thirſt after
knowledge took a different turn, and fixed upon theo-
aiming at nothing,” as he ſays, but a life per-
lected with all virtues.” He tells us, that ſome of thoſe
vho immediately ſucceeded the apoſtles, and preſerved
the true tradition of the bleſſed doctrine from St. Pe-
ter St. James, St. John and St. Paul, have lived down
(a) The Ionic ſect founded by Thales, ended iu Archelaus the
8 of Socrates: but this is on y true of public ſchools of this ſect:
or many particular perſons followed it much later, 3
© - S. CLEMENT of Alexandria. Dec. 4,
to our time, to ſhed into'our hearts the ſeed which th
had received of the apoftles their predeceſſors.” (i)
Pantænus being ſent by the biſhop Demetrius into the
Indies, in 189, Clement ſucceeded him in the great
ſchool of the Chriſtian doctrine at Alexandria, in which
he taught with great ſucceſs, and among other ſcholars
of great eminence had Origen and St. Alexander, aſter-
ward biſhop of Jeruſalem and martyr, His method of
inſtructing conſiſted in teaching his ſcholars firſt what
was good in the heatheniſh philoſophy, and ſo leading
them by degrees to Chriftianity ; which they embraced
more readily when they had reliſhed many of its ſub-
lime maxims of morality derived from the light of na-
ture, and ſcattered in the writings of the philoſophers,
(2) Clement was promoted to the prieſthood about the
beginning of the reign of Severus; for Euſebius gives him
that title in the year 195. The perſecution which that
emperor raiſed againſt the church in 202, obliged him
to abandon his employment. He went over to Cappado-
cia. Soon after we meet with him at Jeruſalem, where
he preached with great conſtancy and ſucceſs, as appears
in a letter written by Alexander. (3) Thence he palled
to Antioch, and wherever. he came he confirmed and
. enlarged the flock of Chriſt. From Antioch he re
turned to Alexandria, | |
The ancients have left great elogjums of the virtue
and learning of St. Clement; but his greateſt and ſtand
ing elogium are his writings, in which he communicate
to others part of the treaſure he had amaſſed. In Is
Exbortation (or Advice) 10 the Gentiles, he laid open the
abſurdity of idolatry by giving an hiftorical account &
its mythology : through this work he has interſperſed
mat curious diſcoveries he had made in his travels, by
which he gave great force to his reaſoning, and a ſur
eien agreeableneſs to his work. His next compoſition
18 Ca
n
d Stromata, a word which figniftes variegated
s, of tapeſtry made up of great variety or mm-
tare. ft ie « miſcellany in eight books, without mur
order,-which the author compares, not to a curious gu
(i) S. Clem. Alex. Strom, 1. 1, p. 274. & ap. Euſ. J. 3. 6,
(a) Strom, I. 1. p. 270. (3) Eu. I. 6. e. 3.
Dec. 4+ S. CLEMENT of Alexandria. 81
den, where the trees and plants are ſet in exact order,
but to a thick ſnady mountain, where trees of all kinds
grow promiſcuouſly together. In this work (which he
ſays he made to ſerve him as a collection in his old age,
when his memory ſhould fail him) he is thought to have
ſhewn too much of the philoſopher, and to have expreſſ-
ed ſome things unwarily, which yet will generally admit
a candid interpretation. The ſtyle is harther than in his
other works : yet there runs through it a ſurpriſing vein
of materials and richneſs of ſentiment, with a profuſion
of learning which ſeems prodigious : and many diſcourſes
on morality, metaphyſics, various hereſies, idolatry, and
theology are joined tagether by a thread of reaſoning,
In the lixth book he draws a character of the true Gnoſtic
or good Chriſtian, The principal ſtrokes in his picture
are, that the true Gnoſtic has the command over his
pallions, is exactly temperate, and allows his body no
more than what is neceflary : he loves God above all
things, and creatures for God's ſake, and the relation
they bear to him, and nothing is able to ſeparate him
from this love. He bears with patience all unfortunate
accidents, and makes it his buſineſs to learn all things
which relate to God. He is never overcome with an-
ger; and prays continually by charity that unites him
to God, begging the remiſſion of his ſins, and grace not
to ſin any more, but to do good. In the ſeventh book
he goes on deſcribing the virtues of his Gnoſtic, and
lays, he employs himlelf entirely in honouring God, in
bying him, in underſtanding, hearing and imitating his
'ord which was made man for our ſalvation ; that he is
Fa, courteous, affable, patient, charitable, ſincere,
athful and temperate ; that he deſpiſes the good things
A this world, and is ready to ſuffer every thing for
lus Chriſt ; that he does nothing out of oſtentation,
tear or deſire of being rewarded, but acts out of pure
ore to the goodneſs and juſtice of God; laſtly, that he
* entirely holy and divine. The Gnoſtic prayeth in all
Places, but this he does in ſecret, in the bottom of his
dart; whether he be in public places, or in converſati-
ol, Or at work, He praiſeth God continually, not only
iu the morning when he riſeth, and at noon day ; but
ol. XII. G
82 S. CLEMENT of Alexandria. Dec. 4, Dee,
when he is walking, reſting or dreſſing, he is always agaiit
gloriſying God like the ſeraphims mentioned by Iſaias will
St. Clement diſtinguiſhes the true from the falſe Gnoſticy, very
or heretics in his time who diſturbed the church by abo- cond
minable novelties and pretences to an imaginary perfec- any
tion. The errors and extravagancies into which many he or
fall concerning perfection, demonſtrate that this ſubject day :
is to be handled with extreme delicacy. St. Clement, divin
to guard againſt the dangers of falſe myſtics, - lays down to pr
the nature and extent of each — virtue, and the li
particularly the purity of the love of God. He judici- nties
ouſly marks out the bounds between reſignation and in- of m
difference, and treats on Activity, Transformation and truly
Union, ſo as to hold the form of ſound words, and to by ex
ſhun obſcurity, the language of the deceiver, and the Chrif
illuſions of fanaticiſm. St. Clement's ſhort treatiſe, en- with!
titled, Abo is the rich Man that ſhall be ſaved? is an thank
expoſition of the words of Chriſt to the young rich man, this v
Mark x. ſhewing, that in order to be ſaved, it is nat ducti
neceſſary for a perſon abſolutely to quit his riches, pro would
vided he makes a good uſe of them. Here the author made
diſcourſes of the love of God and our neighbour, and of gt.
repentance; to prove the efficacy of which, he relates in his
the famous hiſtory of the young robber reclaimed by & ſublim
John. | 1 : or per
The Pedagogue of St. Clement, in three books, is al bis wr
excellent abridgment of chriſtian morality, and ſhes tiles,
in what manner all good Chriſtians lived in thoſe early author
ages. In the firſt book the author ſhews that Chriſt - man ſ
the pedagogue, conductor and paſtor of men, and 4 St, Al
ſtand in need of inſtruction; for a Chriſtian's whole life ngly «
ought to be a continued ſeries of virtuous actions.
the ſecond book rules are laid down for the regulation (4)
certain particular duties, eſpecially relating to abſtinence, *
mortification, modeſty, humility, filence, prayer, alms 1 book
and chaſtity both in he ſtate of marriage, and in 0 u
of virginity. He preſcribes plain food, barely 25 = he =
Aucing to health and ſtrength ; but one meal 4-6, on
the evening; or at the moſt only two, that is, bell 5 charge, |
the great meal a breakfaſt of dry bread without drin du i
ing. He proves the moderate uſe of wine to be laß 14
*
f
HY
_
|
Dec, 4. 8. CLEMENT of Alexandria. 83
againſt the Encratitæ, but forbids it young perſons, and
will have it only drunk at the evening meal, and then
very ſparingly. Luxury in furniture and apparel he
condemns and inveighs againſt, better than Juvenal or
any ancient ſatiriſt had ever done before him. Sleep
he orders to be moderate, and never allows it in the
day: he requires the night to be begun by repeating the
divine praiſes, and that we riſe ſeveral times in the night
to pray, and get up in the morning before day. Againſt
the licentiouſneſs of the pagans he ſhews that all impu-
rities are ſins againſt reaſon, In the third book he ſpeaks
of modeſty, &c. and ſhews that none but Chriſtians are
truly rich, their treaſure being frugality. He concludes
by exhorting men to hearken to the ſaving precepts of
Chriſt, to whom he addreſſes a prayer, praiſing Him
with the Father and the Holy Ghoſt, and returning Him
thanks for making him a member of the church. In
this work many excellent. rules are laid down for con-
ducting ſouls to true perfection; but in a tranſlation it
would be neceſſary that certain expreſſions ſhould be
made agreeable to the manners of our times. (b) |
St. Clement's ſtyle in his Pedagogue, and eſpecially
in his exhortation to the. Gentiles, is florid, elegant and
ſublime, as Photius obſerves ; but the diction is not Attic
or perfectly pure. Great erudition is diſplayed in all
his writings, eſpecially in his exhortation to the Gen-
tiles. St. Jerom calls him, The moſt learned of our
authors,” (4) And Theodoret ſays, (5) That holy
man ſurpaſſed all others in the extent of his learning.”
St. Alexander of Jeruſalem and other ancients exceed-
ingly commend the ſanctity of his life. The late pious
(4) Catal. & Ep. ad Magn,
(b) Photius, Cod. 1 gives an abſtra of ſeveral errors found in
book of this father called Hypotipoſes. A fragment of this work
„ tant, entitled, An Extrad of the Oriental Doctrine of Theodotus
lot Paleſtine). Photius ſays, the heretics had corrupted this writ-
ng. St. Clement alſo copied ſometimes the ſentiments of philoſo-
= and others which he never approved or adopted. This
wude, however, has weakened his authority, in points of doQtine ;
ugh it is certain that he lived and died in the communion of the
uch, and condemned all herefies which ſhe condemned.
62
(5) Haret. Fab. I. 1. c. 8.
84 S. CLEMENT of Alexandria.
French author of the Bibliotheque Portative des Peres dt
Eg liſe, obſerves, that Clement is one of the great maſ-
ters of an interior life among the ancient fathers of the
church, and that his principal maxims are, that the
Gnoſtic or ſpiritual Chriſtian ought to pray at all times
and in all places, both in the ſecret of his heart, and
often by ſinging pſalms and hymns to the Lord: that he
muſt have crucified all inordinate deſires, and muſt hold
his paſſions in perfect ſubjection, and that though he be
united by charity to his beloved, he pray aſſiduouſſy for
the pardon of his ſins, and for the grace not to fin, St.
Clement died at Alexandria, before the end of the reign
of Caracalla, who was ſlain in 217. His name had a
place in the martyrology of Uſuard which was long uſed
in moſt churches in Gaul, but never in the Roman,
Pope Benedict XIV. in his learned diſſertation, addreſſ-
ed, in the form of a brief to the king of Portugal, pre-
fixed to the edition of the Roman martyrology, made in
1749, excellently ſhews, that there is not ſufficient rea-
ſon for ever inſerting his name in the Roman martyro-
logy. The authority of certain private calendars and
the cuſtom of ſacred biographers ſuffices for giving his
life in this place. See Tillemont, T. 3. Ceillier, T. 2.
Dec. 4.
And John Potter, then biſhop of Oxford, afterward
archbiſhop of Canterbury, in the accurate edition af
the works of St. Clement of Alexandria, which he pub-
liſhed with notes at Oxford, in 1718, T. 1. p. 1. SS
p. 10. 40. & leq,
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Dec. 5. „ SABAT A. 85
DECEMESER V
st. SAB A S, Abbot.
From his life excellently written by Cyril, monk of Paleſtine, in 557,
author of the life of St. John the Silent, of that of St. Euthymius,
and of this of St. Sabas, which is correctly publiſhed by Bollandus
20 January, and in Greek by Cotelerius Monum, Gr. T. 3. p.
220. 574. Theſe Acts in Metaphraſtes are adulterated by certain
counterfeit additions. See Aſſemani, T. 5. p. 410.
A. D. 532.
*
dr. Sa As, one of the moſt renowned patriarchs of
the monks of Paleſtine, was born at Mutalaſca, in Cap-
padocia, not far from Cæſarea, the capital, in 439.
The name of his father was John, that of his mother
Sophia: both were pious and of illuſtrious families.
The father was an officer in the army, and being oblig-
ed to go to Alexandria in Egypt, took his wife with
him, and recommended his ſon Sabas, with the care of
bis eſtate, to Hermias, the brother of his wife. This
uncle's wife uſed the child ſo harſhly that three years
ater he went to an uncle, called Gregory, brother to
tis father, hoping there to live in peace. Gregory hav-
ing the care of the child, demanded alſo the adminiſtra-
ton of his eſtate, whence great law-ſuits and animoſi-
ties aroſe between the two uncles.
a mild diſpoſition, took great offence at theſe diſcords
about ſo contemptible a thing as earthly riches, and the
gace of God working powerfully in his heart, he re-
lolved to renounce for ever what was a ſource of fo
diet evils among men. He retired to a monaſtery call-
0d Flavinia, three miles from Mutalaſca, and the abbot
<caved him with open arms, and took great care to
ya him inſtructed in the ſcience of the ſaints, and in
de rules of a monaſtic profeſſion. His uncles blinded
x Ae and mutual animoſity were {ome years with-
= ale ne their eyes: but at laſt aſhamed of thei
w uct towards a nephew, they agreed together to take
i out of his monaſtery, ele him his eſtate and
perſuade him o marry. In vain they employed all
Sabas, who was of
/
86 | S. SABA 8, A. Dee, 5.
means to gain their point. Sabas had taſted the bitter-
neſs of the world, and the ſweetneſs of the yoke of
Chriſt, and his heart was ſo united to God, that nothing
could draw him from his good purpoſe. He applied
himſelf with great fervour to the practice of all virtues,
eſpecially humility, mortification and prayer, as the
means to attain all others. One day whilſt he was at
work in the garden he ſaw a tree loaded with fair and
beautiful apples, and gathered one with an intention to
eat it, But reflecting that this was a temptation of the
devil, he threw the apple on the ground, and trod upon
it. Moreover, to puniſh himſelf, and more perfectly to
overcome the enemy, he made a vow never to eat any
apples as long as he lived. By this victory over himſelf
he made great progreſs in all other virtues, exerciſing
himſelf by day in labour, accompanied with prayer, and
by night in watching in devotions, always flying idle-
neſs as the root of all evils, ſleeping only as much as was
abſolutely neceſſary to ſupport nature, and never inter-
rupting his labours but to lift up his hands to God.
Though he was the youngeſt in the houſe he ſoon ſur-
— all the reſt in fervour and virtue. So tender was
is charity and compaſſion, that once when he was ferv-
ing the baker, who had put his wet clothes into the oven
to dry, and forgetting them had put in fire, ſeeing him
much troubled for his clothes, he went into the oven
and fetched them out through the flames without hurt.
When Sabas had been ten years in this monaſtery, be-
ing eighteen years old, with the leave of his abbot, he
went to Jeruſalem, to viſit the holy places, and to edi
himſelf by the examples of the eminent ſolitaries of that
country. He paſſed the winter in the monaſtery of Pat
ſarion, governed at that time by the holy abbot Elpidius
All the brethren were charmed with his virtue, and de-
fired earneſtly that he would fix his abode among them!
but his great love of ſilence and retirement made him
prefer the manner of life practiſed by St. Euthy mis
He caſt himſelf at the feet of that holy abbot, coryuns
him with many tears to receive him among his diiciples
St. Euthymius judged him too young to continue in bis
Laura with the anchorets ; ſo extreme a ſolitude bv
Dec. 5. 8. S AB AS, A. 97
only proper for the moſt perfect: for a Laura conſiſted
of a cluſter of = cells or hermitages in a deſert,
Euthymius therefore recommended him to the monaſte
below the hill, which was under the conduct of Theoc-
tiſtus, and a kind of noviceſhip to the laura, from which
it lay about three mules. diſtant, the laura itſelf being
twelve miles from Jeruſalem, |
Sabas conſecrated himſelf to God with new fervour,
working all day, and watching in prayer a good part of
the night. As he was very luſty and ſtrong he aſſiſted
all his brethren in their offices, and prepared himſelf the
wood and water for the houſe with extraordinary care
and cheerfulneſs. He ſerved the ſick with ſingular dili-
ow and affection; and was always the firſt and the
at the divine office, and in every regular duty. A
temptation put his virtue to the trial, He was ſent by
his abbot as his companion to another monk on certain
affairs to Alexandria. There his parents knew him and
delired to engage him to accept his father's poſt, and
eſtate in the world : but he gave them to underſtand that
would be to apoſtatize from the ſervice of God which
he had choſen, They preſſed him at leaſt to accept a
large ſam of money for his neceſſaries : but he would
only take three pieces of gold, and thoſe he gave all to
tis abbot on his return, When he was thirty years of
age he obtained leave of St. Euthymius to ſpend five
Gysa week in a remote cave, which time he paſſed
vithout eating any thing in prayer and manual Jabour,
He left his monaſtery on Sunday evening, carrying with
lim palm-twigs, and came back on Saturday morning
vith fifty baſkets which he had made, impoſing upon
limſelf a taſk of ten a day. Thus he had lived five
years, till St, Euthymius choſe him and one Domitian
or his companions in his great yearly retreat in the de-
bens of Rouban, in which Chriſt is ſaid to have per-
formed his forty days faſt. They entered this ſolitude
gether on the 14th of January, and returned to their
pmattery on Palm-Sunday. In the firſt retreat Sabas
wn 1n the wilderneſs, almoſt dead with thirſt. St.
ur mius moved with compaſſion addreſſed a prayer to
ſt that he would take pity on —＋ en fervent fol-
88 8. 8 A B A 8, A. Dec. J.
dier, and ſtriking his ſtaff into the earth, a ſpring guſh-
ed forth: of which Sabas drinking a little recovered his
ſtrength ſo as to be enabled to bear the fatigues of his
retreat.
After the death of St. Euthymius a relaxation of diſ-
cipline crept into that monaſtery : on which account Sa.
bas, ſenſible that a religious houſe in ſuch a condition,
is like a general ſhipwreck, in which every one muſt
ſave himſelf as he can, retired into a deſert towards the
Eaſt, in which St. Geraſimus lived. The devil here en-
deavoured to affright him by appearing in divers ſhapes
of ſerpents and beaſts : but the ſervant of God armed
with prayer and faith ſurmounted all his aſſaults. Four
years the ſaint had ſpent in his wilderneſs in a total ſe.
paration from all commerce with men, when directed
by an admonition of heaven he choſe his dwelling in a
cave on the top of a high mountain, at the botiom of
which ran the brook Cedron. The water of that torrent
not being there drinkable, he fetched what he uſed from
a ſpring five miles off through a very rough and ſteep
way. He was obliged to hang a cord down the deicent
to hold himſelf by in mounting up it. Wild herbs
which grew on the rocks were his food, till certain coun-
trymen, who found him by his cord, out of reſpect
brought him on certain days a little bread, cheeſe, dates,
and other little things which he might want.
Aſter he had lived here five years ſeveral reſorted !0
him, deſiring to ſerve God under his direction. He was
at firſt unwilling to conſent; but charity overcoming
the reſiſtance which his humility raiſed, he founded a
new Laura, which at firſt conſiſted of ſeventy perſons,
all deſirous to devote themſelves to praiſe and ſerve G
without interruption. He marked to each the place to
build their cell; and having prayed to God that the)
might find water, cauſed a pit to be dug at the foot n
the mountain, where a ſpring was diſcovered which ſu
ſiſted in ſucceeding ages, He built alſo a little _
with an altar, The number of his diſciples was ſhort!)
increaſed to one hundred and fifty; which obliged him
to extend his Laura on the other ſide of the .
He watched over all, and provided for their neceſit
Dec. «
with:
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Foot of
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Dec. 5. 8. SABAS, A. 7
with an incredible attention. He taught them to over-
come their paſſions, to diſcover and defeat the artifices
of the devil, and to pray with fruit and holy perſeve-
tance. To cut off all neceſſities and pretexts of ever
leaving their ſolitude, by the help of certain charitable
perſons, he ſupplied them with all things in a manner
ſuitable to perſons dead to the world. He had no prieſt
in his community, and he thought no religious man
could aſpire to that dignity without preſumption. He
erieved, however, to depend upon the opportunity of
ſome ſtrange prieſt for the celebration of the divine myſ-
teries. Certain factious ſpirits in the community form-
ed a ſchiſm againſt their holy abbot, and accuſed him to
Salluſt, then lately made biſhop of Jeruſalem. The
prelate found their invectives groundleſs, except that the
want of a prieſt was a real defect in the community.
He therefore compelled Sabas to receive that ſacred cha-
racter at his hands. The abbot was then fifty-three
years old, The reputation of his ſanctity drew perſons
from very remote countries to his Laura. Our faint aſ-
hgned a particular chapel for the Armenian monks,
where they performed the firſt part of the divine office,
which confiſts of prayers and inſtructions, in their own
tongue : but met in the great church to finiſh it, and
to make the oblation and receive the communion with
the reſt, After the death of the ſaint's father his mother
came to him, and ſerved God under his direction. With
the money which ſhe brought he built two hoſpitals, one
or ſtrangers, and another for the ſick : alſo an hoſpital
u Jericho, and a monaſtery on a neighbouring hill, call-
ed Caſtel; and another ſmall one a mile diſtant for the
Joung, where they learned the pſalter and religious ex-
cites. When they were perfect in theſe, and ripe in
years he tranſlated them to the houſe of Caſtel ; and
drew out of this nurſery thoſe that were moſt perfect
— his Laura. Salluſt, patriarch of Jeruſalem, eſta-
iſhed St. Sabas exarch or ſuperior general over all the
monks of Paleſtine, who lived in ſeveral cells, and St.
codoſius, over all who lived in community, or the
bites. St. Sabas, after the example of St. Euthy-
mus, left his diſciples every year after the octave of the
90 8. 8 A B A 8. A. De. 5. Dec.
Epiphany, and paſſed the whole Lent without being ſeen with |
by any one, eating nothing all that time, except that he and d
received the holy euchariſt every Saturday and Sunday, him t
which he always took with him for that purpoſe, If any he ſav
of his diſciples accompanied him, he cauſed them to en th
carry with them ſome dried bread for their ſubſiſtence, the g
In one of theſe retreats he found a holy hermit, who had they \
lived on wild herbs without ſeeing any man thirty-eight time,
years. He had with him very edifying diſcourſes : but Fathe
the next year found him dead, and buried him. The ſome |
patriarch Salluſt dying in 493, the rebellious monks of whi
above-mentioned went to his ſucceſſor Elias, hoping that field b
he would hear their complaints. Sabas was informed of Elias,
their cabals, and not to be an occaſion of others malice, for thi
withdrew himſelf privately, ſaying, that we muſt reſiſt to reti
the devils, but yield to men for the ſake of peace. to rec
He vent into the deſert of Scythopolis, near the fi- down
ver Gadara, where he went into a great cave to pray. diſord
It happened to be the den of a huge lion. At midnight cells n
the beaſt came in, and finding this gueſt, dared not to from t
touch him, but taking him gently by his garments ſpirit «
plucked him as if it had been to draw him out. The for th
faint was no ways affrighted or troubled, but began ler them,
ſurely and with much devotion to recite aloud the mid- of poll
night pſalms. The lion went out, and when the holy neceſl;
man had finiſhed matins, came in again, and pulled into th
him by the ſkirts of his clothes as he had done before. ſelves |
The ſaint ſpoke to the beaſt and ſaid, the place was big govern
enough to hold them both. The lion at thoſe words de- new ve
parted, and returned thither no more. Certain thieves others,
found St. Sabas in his cave, and were ſo moved by bs The
example and diſcourſes, that they all embraced a pen The ei
rential life. Many perſons here again put themſelves un and b.
der his conduct; but finding himſelf diſtracted by the" Elias {
direction, and by a amber of viſitants, who reſorted mous ;
thither, he abandoned his cell to them ; and this place kentio
w into a monaſtery. He enjoyed the ſweetnels © — tt
perfect ſolitude ſome time, when moved with tender cha- ike for
rity and compaſſion, he went to viſit his former rebel perial |
lious monks, who continued hardened in their iniqui), made x
and were joined by twenty others. The faint was pier tim
/
Dec. f. S. SABAS, A. on
with grief to ſee them thus give death to their own ſouls,
and draw others into the ſame perdition. It ſeemed ta
him that he felt his own limbs torn from his body whilſt
he ſaw his monks ſeparated from him. In order to ſoft-
en their hatred and malice he gave them every token of
the greateſt ſweetneſs, tenderneſs and goodneſs; but
they were not yet to be gained. He left them a ſecond
time, to aſk their converſion with greater fervour of the
Father of, mercies. He retired near Nicopolis, living
ſome time under the boughs of a ſhady tree, the fruit
of which furniſhed him with food, till the. maſter of the
field built him a cell, and afforded him his ſcanty. diet.
Elias, the patriarch, ordered Sabas to appoint a ſuperior
for the diſciples whom he had gathered at Nicopolis, and
to return to his great Laura, to which he ſent his orders
to receive him. The factious monks in a rage threw
the fi- down a building which he had raiſed, and after many
» pray. diſorders left that place and ſettled in certain old ruinous
doight cells near the brook Theon. The great Laura was freed
not to from their ſcandals, and Sabas ſoon renewed in it the
rments ſpirit of fervour and charity. His zeal and compaſlion
for the ſeditious apoſtates made him ſtill to weep for
them, He even procured and ſent them ſeventy pieces
of gold to build them a church and furniſh them with
neceſſaries. This exceſs of goodneſs made them to enter
into themſelves, confeſs their crime and ſubmit them-
ſelves to their abbot. St. Sabas nominated a ſuperior to
govern them; and under his direction this became a
new very regular monaſtery. The ſaint founded ſeveral
others, after the ſame model.
The eaſtern churches were then in great confuſion.
The emperor Anaſtaſius ſupported the Eutychian hereſy,
und baniſhed many catholic biſhops, The patriarch
Elias ſent to him as deputies St. Sabas, with other fa-
mous abbots, to endeavour to ſtip the fury of this per-
kention, | Sabas was ſeventy years old when he under-
wok this journey to Conſtantinople. As he was dreſſed
Ke ſome poor beggar the officers at the gate of the im-
perial palace admitted the reſt, but ſtopped him. Sabas
made no reply, but withdrew into a corner to employ
ume in prayer, When the emperor had read the
92 Ss BB ABMS Dec. 5,
letter of the patriarch, in which great commendations
were beſtowed on Sabas, he aſked where he was. The
faint was fought, and at length found in a corner recit-
ing the pſalms. Anaſtaſius gave the abbots liberty to
aſk what they wanted or defired for themſelves ; the reſt
preſented their petitions, but Sabas had no requeſt to
make in his own name. Being preſſed by the emperor
to aſk ſome favour, he only begged that his majeſty
would reftore peace to the church, and not diſturb the
clergy. The emperor gave him a thoufand pieces of
gold to employ in chatities. Sabas ſtayed all the winter
in Conſtantinople, and often viſited the emperor to gain
his point. The prince had cauſed an heretical council at
Sidon to condemn the general council of Chalcedon, and
required the biſhops to ſubſcribe this decree, banifhing
many who refuſed to do it. However, he ipared Elias
triarch of Jeruſalem, at the repeated intreaties of Sa-
bas, and diſmiſſed the holy abbot with honour, giving
him a thouſand pieces of gold more to be diſtributed
among the poor in his country. The faint returned to
his ſolitude, and the emperor dying, according to what
our holy abbot had foretold, Juſtin, his ſucceſſor, fa-
voured the true faith, St. Sabas laying hold of that op-
portunity, went to Cæſarea, Scythopolis and other places,
preaching the catholic faith, and bringing back many
monks and ſeculars into its fold. A drought which had
continued five years, produced a famine in Palcftine:
The prayers of the ſaint obtained ſupplies for his ſeven
monaſteries in their extreme neceſſity, and at laſt rain,
to the univerſal joy of the whole country.
Ia the ninety-firſt year of his age, at the requeſt of
Peter, patriarch of Jeruſalem, he undertook a ſecond
journey to Conſtantinople, in favour of the Chriſtians 0
Paleſtine, who had been calumniated at court. Juſt
man, who then occupied the imperial throne, receive
him with great honour, granted him all his requeſts af
offered to ſetile annual revenues for the maintenance o.
all his monaſteries. The holy abbot thanked his maj
ty, but ſaid they ſtood not in need of ſuch revenues, ©
long as the monks ſhould ſerve God. However, he deg
ged a remifhon of all taxes in favour of the people o
retur!
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Dec. g. S. 8S AB A8, A. 93
Paleſtine for a certain term, in conſideration of what
they had ſuffered by the plunders of the Samaritans
that his majeſty would build an hoſpital at Jeruſalem for
the pilgrims, and a fortreſs for the protection of the her-
mits and monks againſt the inroads of barbarians ; that
he would beſtow ſome ornaments on the church of our
Lady, which was lately built, and would afford his pro-
tection to the catholics. All which things were granted.
It happened one day that the emperor being buſy in
council in diſpatching certain affairs of the faint, who
was himſelf preſent, when it was the hour of tierce, the
abbot went out to recite his prayers. His companion,
called Jeremy, ſaid it was not well done to leave the em-
peror on ſuch an occaſion. * My fon,” replied Sabas,
* the emperor. does his duty, and we muſt do ours.”
So exact was he in all the rules of his ſtate. St. Sabas
returned into Paleſtine with the imperial orders, which
he delivered to the magiſtrates of Jeruſalem, Scythopo-
ls and Czfarea, and ſaw every where put in execution.
Soon after his return to his Laura he fell ſick : the pa-
arch perſuaded him to ſuffer himſelf to be conveyed
to a neighbouring church, where he ſerved him with his
own hands. The pains of the faint were very ſharp, but
God ſupported him under them in perfect ſentiments of
patience and reſignation. Finding his laſt hour approach,
he begged the patriarch that he might be carried back to
lis Laura, He appointed Melitas of Berytus his ſuc-
— gave him excellent inſtructions, and then lay
our days in ſilence without ſeeing any one, that he
might entertain himſelf with God alone. On the 5th of
cember, in the evening, having received the holy
communion, he departed to our Lord, in 532, (not 531,
s Jol. Aſſemani demonſtrates againſt Baronius, &c.)
wat ninety-four years old. He is commemorated on
s day both in the Greek and Latin calendars,
s . Sabas met with perſecutors among the monks, to
| om his virtue ſeemed too ſcrupulous a ſeverity ; and
© men were long inſenſible to his mild remonſtran-
we holy inſtructions animated by the example of
ble ſanctity, How eafily do men blind them-
in their paſſions, and excuſe to themſelves, nay
94 s. RIS PI NA, M. er.;
canonize, their more ſubtle vices? And how difficult is
it for ſuch ſinners to be reclaimed? It is much eaſier to
convert a notorious ſinner, than one who is falſely juſt,
The one feels his miſeries, the other crowns himſelf
with his own hands, and like the proud Phariſee, makes
his own panegyric or apology. This dreadful blindneſs
is a frequent caſe: men every day ſtudy by a falſe con-
ſcience to palliate crimes, and allow themſelves many
unjuſtifiable liberties under falſe pretences. As St. Auſ⸗
tin complains, what our paſſions ſtrongly incline us to,
we often call holy. Not to periſh by ſuch illuſions, we
muſt baniſh out of our hearts all ſelf-conceit, learn per-
fectly to die to ourſelves, eſpecially in regard to our dar-
ling or ruling paſſions, and never take our paſſions for
our counſellors or guides, as we ſhall be ſure to do if we
rely too much on ourſelves. We muſt often ſuſpect and
narrowly examine our own hearts, which are frequently
the greateſt cheats with which we can have to deal. We
are often impoſed upon by other men: but a thouſand
times oftner by ourſelves.
On rTAuE SAME Dar.
St. CrrsPina, M. St. Auſtin informs us, (1) that
mis glorious martyr was a lady of high birth, very rich,
and engaged in the married ſtate; that ſhe had ſeveral
children; and that though of a delicate and tender col-
ſtitution, ſhe was endued with a maſculine courage, pfe
ferred heaven to earth, and God to the world, and de.
ſpiſing the tears of her children rejoiced to ſee
taken and called to confeſs Jeſus Chriſt on a ſcaffold,
and in the fight of the whole world. Her acts we hate
only imperfect, giving an account of her laſt exam
tion. By them we learn that ſhe was a native of 1 14
gara, in the Proconſular Africa, and was apprehended for
profeſſing the faith of Chriſt, and conducted to Tb
beſte; before Anulinus, the proconſul of Africa. Th
magiſtrate exhorted her to ſacrifice to the gods, 25 the
edicts of the emperors commanded.” The martyr i
ſwered: * I have never ſacrificed, nor do facrifice o any
- other: than to one God, and to our Lord Jeſus Ch
(1) S. Aug. in PC, 120, & 137. P. 1382, 1826.
ec. 5.
ult is
er to
juſt,
imſelt
makes
adneſs
e con-
many
. Aul-
us to,
ns, We
n per-
ur dar-
ns for
3 if we
ct and
ently
| We
ouſand
b 3. NICETIVS, . C. 95
his Son, who was born and ſuffered for us.“ Anulinus
threatened her with the rigour of the law. She ſaid that
ſne adored and knew only one God, and obſerved the
law of Jeſus Chriſt, heþ Lord. The proconſul preſſed
her to give ſome token of piety towards the gods.
There can be no devotion and piety, ſaid. the martyr,
where every thing 1s compulſion.” When he again
thundered out his threats, ſhe replied : That his tor-
ments were nothing; but that if ſhe deſpiſed the God
of heaven, ſhe ſhould incur the guilt of ſacrilege, and
be puniſhed by him at the laſt day, Anulinus com-
manded that her head ſhould be ſhaved, and that ſhe
ſhould be publicly ſhewn in this condition, and expoſed
to the deriſion of the people. Criſpina ſaid: © If the
gods are offended at my words, let them ſpeak them-
lelves.”” Anulinus in great anger faid ſhe ſhould be
treated as her companions Maxima, Donatilla, -and Se-
cunda had been before. She made anſwer : * My God
is with me to preſerve me from ever conſenting to the
laclege which is required of me.” The proconſul then
ordered the whole proceſs of what had paſſed at the trial
to be read aloud : after which he dictated the ſentence
of death againſt her. Criſpina, fluſhed with joy, gave
thanks to God and was led to execution. She was be-
headed on the 5th of December, 304, and is named in
the Roman martyrology. See her authentic acts in Ma-
billon, Analecta, T. 3. and Ruinart.
St. Nicxrius, Biſhop of Triers, C. St. Gregory of
Tours has left us a great elogium of this holy prelate.
His parents placed him young in a monaſtery, where he
made ſo great a progreſs in learning and piety, that his
reputation reached the court. King Theodoric honour-
him in a particular manner, and, in 527, obliged him
accept the biſhopric of Triers. Theodebert, his ſon,
the ſame regard for the ſervant of God ; but his
cceſſor Clotaire II. offended at his zealous efforts in re-
ſoring diſcipline, unjuſtly baniſhed him : but the ſaint's
yon continued but a very ſhort time: for that prince
Wung, Sigebert, one of his ſons, who ſucceeded him,
in that part of his dominions, would not take poſſeſſion
96 S. NICETI US, B. C. Dee. g
of his kingdom till Nicetius was reſtored. The hoh
paſtor's great talents and zeal were diſplayed in the aſj-
duity and extraordinary fruit of his preaching : the
fanctity of his life, and the practice of all good works
were rendered illuſtrious in the eyes of men by the gift
of miracles, with which he was favoured. He afliſted
at the firſt and ſecond councils of Clermont, in 535,
and 549 ; at the fifth. or great council of Orleans; at
the ſecond council of Paris, in 551, and aſſembled one Nicet
at Toul, in 555. Though he enjoyed the favour and that f
protection of king Sigebert, his zeal failed not to raile biſhop
new perſecutions againſt him, without which a.Chriſtian and G
cannot live in this world. But no human reſpects or has pt
fear could make him abandon the cauſe of God, and firſt, (
the true intereſt of ſouls. The extirpation of inceſtuous teſtim
marriages in France was what coſt him many difficulties: Peters
but God bleſſed his conſtancy and labours with ſuccels of fm
both againſt vice, and againſt the Arian and Eutychian Cd
hereſies. We have two letters which he wrote againſt praiſes
thoſe errors. (1) The firſt was wrote about the year 561, died al
and addreſſed to Clodoſindis, a catholic princeſs, daugir where;
ter to Clotaire I. married to Alboin, the Arian king of manne
the Lombards In this he exhorts her to endeavour 0 See St
convert her huſband to the catholic faith, which be Lz. c
proves from the form of baptiſm, and from the miracies tau,
which were wrought in the catholic church by the t. T. 4.
licks of ſaints, which the Arians themſelves venerated.
„Let the king, (Alboin) ſays he, ſend meſſengers '0 (a)C
the church of St. Martin: if they dare enter it, the eleg. T
will ſee the blind enlightened, the deaf recover thel $63.
hearing, and the dumb their ſpeech ; the lepers and ſick
are cured, and return home ſound, which we fee. - - »
What ſhall I ſay of the relicks of the holy biſhops Cet
manus, Hilary, and Lupus? at which daily fo great
racles are wrought that we cannot recount them al!
and the demoniacs are tortured, and confeſs their virtue.
Do they do ſo in the churches of the Arians? They
not. One devil never exorcizes another. What hate
i) Conc, T. 5. p. 834. and Du Cheſne, Hiſt, Franc. Script"
22 T. i. 6 5 ap Freher, Corpus Francicæ Hiſtoriæ, 1 9 | vol.
Dee. g.
1e holy
he aſſ-
Z: the
works
the gilt
aſſiſted
n 535
ans; At
led one
ur and
0 raile
hriſtian
ects ot
xd, and
eſtuous
culties:
ſucceſs
tychian
againk
ar 561,
daugb-
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vour to
hich be
miracles
the re
aerated.
gers 10
it, the)
er their
ind ſick
. .
ps Ger-
eat mi-
em all;
Dec. 5- S. NICE TIUS, B. c. 97
you ſeen at the tombs of the biſhops Remigius and Me-
dard? You have heard from your grandmother the good
Jady Clotildis, how ſhe brought Clovis to the catholic
faith, &c.” Another letter the ſaint wrote to the ems
peror Juſtinian, who was fallen into the error of the In-
corrupticole; who maintained that the body of Chriſt
in his mortal ſtate was not paſſible, or ſubje& to pain,
alteration, &c. which was a ſpawn of Eutychianiſm. St.
Nicetius tells him with an epiſcopal authority and zeal,
that ſince he had publiſhed an edit, commanding all
biſhops to fubſcribe his error, all Italy, Africa, Spain
and Gaul anathematized his name. (2) Dom d'Acheri
has publiſhed two other treatiſes of St. Nicetius : the
firſt, On watching in boly prayer, which he extols from the
teſtimony of Iſaiah, the pſalms, the example of Chriſt, SS.
Peter and Paul, &c. alſo from the advantages and neceſſity
of fervent prayer, &c. The ſecond is entitled, On the
Gd or Advantage of Pſalmody, or ſinging the divine
praiſes aſſiduouſly, and in common. (3) St, Nicetius
died about the year 506. Many great men of the age
wherein he lived, bear teſtimony to the innocence of his
manners and his extraordinary ſanctity and miracles. (4)
dee St. Gregory of Tours, Vit. Patr. c. 13. Fortunat.
3. c. g. D'Acheri, in Spicileg. T. 12. p. 209. Bul-
tau, Hiſt, Occid. T. 1. p. 120. Rivet, Hiſt. Liter.
T. 3. P. 291.
(2) Conc, T. f. p. 832. Du Cheſne-& Freher, ib. (3) Sid
7 I. 3. p. 9, Kc. (4) Ap. Du Cheſne, ib. p. 853, 852.1
98 S. NICHOLAS, B. G. Des, 6,
DECEMBER VI
St. NICHOLAS, Archbiſhop of Myra, C.
The acts of St. Nicholas, publiſhed about the year 912, by Met -
phraſtes, are extant, tranſlated by Lipoman, Surius, &c. Other
much ſhorter, but imperfe&, compiled by Methodius, patriarch of
Couſtantinople, about the yeat 840, ate publiſhed by Nombre
Falconius, c. Another life of St. Nicholas was wrote by John,
deacon of Naples, an. 860, from Methodius and others. (8e
Murat. Ital. Scriptor. L. 1. part, 2. p. 287. & Joſ. Aſſemani, J.
p. 417.) Mention is made of a viſion of St. Nicholas in the
ond council of Nice: alſo by Suidas, (on whoſe 'teſtinony fe:
Putignani, Diatr. 1. p. 66.) Kc. See ſeveral acts of his fe pub-
liſhed by Falconius, archbiſhop of San- Severino, at Naples, in
1751, together with thoſe pf- St. Nicholas of Pinara, with whom
this author confounds him: which hypotheſis is confuted by N-
cholas Putignani, a canon of Bari, author of Vindiciz Vitæ & N.
colal, at Naples, an. 1753, and more fully by Joſ. Aſſemani in
Cal. Uniy; T. 5. ad 6 Dec. p. 416. & T. 6. ad 4 Apr. p. 2b,
& ad 9 May, p. 822. See alſo Tilemont, T. 6. Vie de 8. N-
cholas, & Note 1, 2. Fleury, T. 13. FN,
Tur great veneration with which this faint has
been honoured both in the Greek and Latin churches for
many ages, and the great, number of altars and churches
which have been every where erected in his memory, at
proofs of his extraordinary ſanctity, and of the glory
which he enjoys with God: The emperor Juſtinian buil
a church in his honour at Conſtantinople, in the quart!
called Blaquernæ, about the year 430, (1) and he wi
titular ſaint of four churches in Conſtantinople. (2) All
accounts agree, that he was a native of Patara, in Lycla.
We are told that in his infancy he obſerved the faſts
Wedneſdays and Fridays, refuſing to ſuck the breaſts on
thoſe days, which were conſecrated to faſting by the
law of the church, as St. Clement of Alexandria ment
ons, (3) and as biſhop Potter proves in his note up"
(1) Procop. de Zdific. Juſtinian, 1. 1. e. 6. P. 31, Putign
Diatr. 1. c. 5 p 37. 52. (2) Du Cange, ConftantinopolisCbitvn
I. 4. c. 6. n. 67. Codinus Orig, Conſtan. p. 62. (3) Clem.
Strom. I. 7. T. 2. p. 877. n. 10. & 15, ed. Oxon. anno 3715»
Des, 6,
ra, C,
? Mets
Orden
riarch of
mbritins,
Der 6. $. NICHOLAS, B. c. -
that paſſage from the Apoſtolic Conſtitutions, (4) and
the canonical epiſtle of St. Peter, biſhop of Alexandria
and martyr, Alſo St. Epiphanius (5) and others teſtify
the fame. Happy are they who from their infancy and
innocent ages are inured to the exerciſes of devotion,
penance and perfect obedience. St. Nicholas increaſed
his fervour in theſe and all other virtues with his years,
eſpecially when he had devoted himſelf to a religious liſe
in the monaſtery of holy Sion, near Myra, of which
houſe he was made abbot, by the archbiſhop, its found-
er. Charity in comforting and relieving the diſtreſſed,
ſeemed his characteriſtical virtue. Amongſt many other
inſtances jt is related, that when three young virgins
were expoſed through diſtreſs to the danger of falling
into vicious courſes, he for three ſucceſſive nights con-
veyed to them through the window a competent ſum of
money for a fortune for one of them, fo that they were
all portioned, and afterward happily married. - Lycia
Was a large ancient province of Alla, in which St. Paul
had planted the faith. Myra, the capital, three miles
from Patara, and from the fea, was an archiepiſcopal ſee
founded by St. Nicander, of ſo great dignity, that in
later ages thirty-ſix ſuffragan biſhoprics were ſubject. to
it, This metropolitan church falling vacant, the holy
abbot Nicholas was choſen archbiſhop, and in that ex-
ated ſtation became famous' by his extraordinary piety
ind zeal, and an incredible number of ſtupendous mira-
Cles, The Greek hiſtories of his life agree, that he ſuf-
ed impriſonment for the faith, and made a glorious
©nteſſion in the latter part of the perſecution raiſed by
xleſian : and that he was preſent at the great council
Nice, and there condemned Arianiſm, The ſilence
8 authors make many juſtly ſuſpect theſe circum»
ces. The hiſtory of the tranſlation of his relicks .
ace his death in 342. He died at Myra, and was bu-
ned in his own cathedral. (4) Several churches were
(4) Conftit, A |
,-ontut. Apoſt. I. 5. c. 19. & l. 7. c. 24 (5) See pope
8 XIV, in Literjs Apoſtolici ad — V. Portug. Reg. nove
yr. Rom, prafixis, à n. 19. ad 36.
4 Faleoniug publiſhed, in 1751, from a manuſcript of the tenth
in dhe Vatican library, the life of St. Nicholas of Pinata, _—
H 2 0
* ——
3s
E
4
:
|
f
g
Lycia; and watehing an opportunity when no Mabo-
100 8. NICGHOL AS, B. C. Dee, 6
built in his honour, even in the Weſt, long before the
tranſlation of his reficks to Bari: and the manner in
which Uſuard mentions him in his martyrology, almoſt
three ages before, ſhews in how great veneration his
name then was in the Weſt: The hiftory of the tran»
lation of his relicks to Bari, aſſures us, that no ſaint was
more univerſally. honoured in all Chriſtian nations than
St. Nicholas. The Muſcovites who received their ac-
count of him from the Greeks, ſeem to pay a greater
veneration to his memory than to that of any other faint,
who lived ſince the times of the apoſtles. The relicks of
St. Nicholas were kept with great honour at Myra till
they were tranſlated into Italy. Certain merchants of
Bari, a ſea- port in the kingdom of Naples, ſituate on
the Adriatic Gulph, failed in three ſhips to the eoaſt of
metans were near the place, went to the church in which
the relicks of St. Nicholas were kept, which ſtood in 2
deſert place, three miles from the ſea, and was guarded
he pretends to be the ſame. with St. Nicholas of Myra. But it the
lite of the former, expreſs mention is made of a church or marihyriun,
dedicated in honour of the great St. Nicholas (of Myra) who mull
conſequently have been dead before the other was born, as Joſ. Aſe-
mani proves (in Cal. Univ. ad 6 Dec. p. 424. T. $.), and this dir
tinction is demonſtrated by the church built at Conſtantinople by JuF
tinian in honour of the great St. Nicholas, as he is uſually ſtyled by
the Greeks, and by many othef arguments (See Jol. Aſemani, 1b.
and Nicolas Putignani, Diatrib4 i.) St. Nicholas of Pinara was born
at Pharrais, near Myra, was aſterward abbot of Holy Sion, and wi
at length conſecrated biſhop, of Pinara, which church he governed
five years: and died there, and his relicks were kept with honour il
the church of the monaſtery of Holy Sion in Pharroa, near Fiouns
in Lycia, the abbot of which place ſubſcribed the ſecond coune! of
Nice, in 787. Falconius ſuppoſes St. Nicholas of Pinara to have
been born in 480, ordained biſhop in 545 : that he aſſiſted at the
eouncil of Myra, held about the controverſy concerning tbe ar
chapters in 5 50, and died in 551. From the year of his death 7
other epochs are determined by the hiſtoty of his life. But Jo
Afflemant demonſtrates (T. 6. in Calend. Univ. ad 4 Apr. p. 75
that St. Nicholas of Pinara flouriſhed in the ſeventh century, "_
in 699, Having governed the ſee of Pinata from the year 50%
years. His body remained in the church of bis monaſtery at 5
roa, together with the relicks of St. John Baptiſt, 88. 'T heodorWs
Sergius and Bacchus, MM, and of the forty martyrs of
bee Aſſeman. ad 4. April. dergae. no 1 a ze 6
Dee, 6
re the
ner in
almoſt
on his
> trans
int was
is than
err ac
greater
er faint,
licks of
yra till
ants of
Uate on
oaſt of
Maho-
1 which
d in 2
Dec. 6. 8. NICHOLAS, B. E. 101
by a ſmall community of monks. They broke open the
marble coffin, in which the ſacred bones lay, and car-
ried them off to their ſhips: the inhabitants upon the
alarm given purſued them to the ſhore with horrible out-
cries, but the Europeans were got ſafe on board. They
landed at Bari, on the gth of May's 1087, and the fa-
cred treaſure was depoſited by the archbiſhop: in the
church of St. Stephen. On the firſt day —_ perſons
were cured of various diſtempers imploring the inter-
ceſſion of St. Nicholas, and from that time the tomb of
St. Nicholas of Bari has been famous for pilgrimages,
The authentic hiſtory of this tranſlation, written by
John, at that time archdeacon of Bari, by order of the
archbiſhop, is extant in Surius. The ſame account is
confirmed by another hiftory of this tranſlation drawn
up at the ſame time by Nicephorus of Bari, alſo an eye-
witneſs, commiſſioned by the magiſtrates of the city,
quoted in manuſcript by Baronius, and pubhſhed by
Falconius. (6) By this hiſtory of Nicephorus it appears,
that the Venetians having formed a deſign of ing
off the relicks of St. Nicholas, certain merchants from
Bari, who happened then to be at Antioch, prevented
them, () This enterpriſe could only be juſtified by
the laws of a juſt war, joined with the apprehenſion of
the ſacrilegious impiety of the Mahometans. Mention
is made in a Novella of the emperor Emmanuel, record- -
ed by Balſamon, and all modern writers, of a fragrant
unctuous matter, which iſſues from the relicks of St,
(6) Falconius, Ada Primigenia 8. Nicolai, p. 131.
\ (b) See alſo on this tranſlation Dandulus, in Chronice Veneto,
7. p. 157. 256. ap. Murat. Italic. Rerum Scriptores, T. 12,
Though Dandulus lived only in 1350 : neither can he or other Ve-
* be heard who pretend ſo many years after that the relicks of
. Nicholas were brought to Venice, ſince two learned men of Bari,
and digebert, 2 foreigner, of the ſame age, aſſure us they were
Tinflated to Bari. And it is manifeſt, that the Venetians only car-
* home, in 1097, what the citizens of Bari had left, namely,
2 of two other hiſhops, Theodorus and another Nicholas,
ſome of the undtucus matter that was found in the ſepulchre of
" Nicholas. The church of one of the twenty-three great monaſy
Ne of the Greeks on Mount Athos, is dedicated in bonour of St
(Fholas, dee Montfaucon, Paleographia Grzca, I. 7. P. 49
102 S. NICHOL As, B. c. Doe. 6. Dec.
Nicholas in his ſhrine at Bari, a large quantity of which
was found in his ſepulchre, near Myra, in Lycia, when
his relicks were brought thence,
St. Nicholas is eſteemed a patron of Children, be.
cauſe he was from his infancy a model of innocence and
virtue, and to form that tender age to ſincere piety was
always his firſt care and delight. (c) To impreſs on the
minds of children perfect ſentiments of devotion, reli-
gion, and all virtues with an earneſtneſs in all duties,
is a taſk often as delicate as it is important. Inſtructions
muſt be made ſenſible; and adapted by ſimiles, para-
bles and examples to the weakneſs of their capacities
Above all, they are to be enforced by the conduct of
thoſe with whom children converſe. They learn their
maxims, imbibe their ſpirit, and are moulded upon their
example. A child which ſees thoſe who are about him
love their own eaſe, and ever ſeek what beſt pleaſes their
ſenſes; ſtill more if he obſerves them to be choleric,
peeviſh, ' vain, ſlothful or impatient, will naturally che-
riſh: theſe paſſions and yield up the government of him-
ſelf to chemin, inſtead of learning by tractablenefs, hu-
mility, meekneſs, and felf-denial to ſubdue and govem
them. And ſo in all other points. Precepts and et-
hortations lofe their force when contradicted by example:
and hilſt the infant Res every one ſtudy to pleaſe him-
felf in Every thing, in flat oppoſition to the rules of the
goſpel, which. he hears preachtd from their mouths, be
ſeems ratitly:perſuaded that ſuch a conduct is reconciles-
ble with thoſe very maxims which condemn it.
e St. Nicholas is called particularly the patron of Children, 10
only becauſe he made their inſtruction a principal part of his paſtonil
- cure, but chieſſy becauſe he always retained the virtues, the meet.
- nefb, the fmplicity without guile or malice, and the humility of his
tender age, and in his very. infancy devoted himſelf to God Jo
' heyoie pietys theſe reaſons are given in the ancient MS. book of
Aal at Serum, fol. 55. On the great ſolemnity with which it vas
_keptchy, thd bays at the cathedral of Sarum, at Eton {chool, and p
_ other Tehoolsapd colleges ; fee the hiſtory and antiquities of the ®
: thedral church of Saliſdury, printed anno 1722. p. 74.
LC
Dec. 6. 88. DIONYSIA, &c. MM. 103
Fg " On THE SAME Dax.
88. Didax vel, Dariva, Laanetra, TERTIus,
EUILIAM us, Boniracs and Majakicos, MM.
under the Arians in Africa. In the year 484, king
Huneric baniſhed the catholic biſhops; and ſoon after
commanded thoſe who refuſed ta comply with certain
impiuus orders which he publiſhed, to be tormented
and put to death. Diony ſia, a lady remarkable for her
great beauty, but much more fo for her holy zeal and
piety, was ſo long ſcaurged in the moſt conſpicuous
place of the forum, till every part of her body was co-
vercd with u ounds and blood. Sceing Majoricus, her
only ſon, tremble at the ſight of her torments, ſhe ſaid
to him: „ Son, remember that we have been baptized
in the name of the Holy Trinity, in the catholic church,
our Mother. Let us not loſe the clothing of our ſalva-
tion, leſt the maſter of the feaſt, finding us without the
nupual garment, command his ſervants to caſt us into
outer darkneſs.” The young man being ſtrengthened
by her wards, ſuffered a moſt cruel martyrdom with con-
ſtancy. The courageous mother embracing his. body,
gave thanks to God with 2 loud voice, and buried him
in her own houſe, that ſhe might frequently pray upon
his tomb. Dativa, ſiſter to Dionyſia, Emilianus, a
phyſician, who was her couſin, Leontia, Tertius and
Boniface, ſuffered with great conſtancy horrible torments
for the faith. A nobleman of Suburbis named Servus,
vas tortured by the perſecutors with the utmoſt fury.
After his body was bruiſed with clubs, he was hoiſted in
the air by pullies, and then let down again, that he
might fall with all his weight on the pavement : and this
vas repeated ſeveral times. After this he was dragged
dong the ſtreets, and torn with flint ſtones and peb-
wiomuch that his fleſn and ſkin hung down in
many places from his ſides, back and belly, and his ribs
peared bare. At Cucuſa there was an infinite number
of martyrs, and confeſſors. Among theſe a courageous
8 named Victoria, was ſuſpended in the air whilſt a
© was kindled under her. All this while her huſband;
#0 had apoſtatized from the catholic faith, talked to
* 9 22 —_ . * * —
EN r CCC ie i N i
22
3
1
4
i
=
104 S. PETER PASCHAL, B. M. Der. b
her in the moſt moving and paſſionate manner, conjur-
ing her at leaſt to have pity on him, and her innocent
babes, and ſave herſelf by obeying the king. The
martyr ſtopped her ears not to hear his ſeducing words
and turned her eyes from her children, that ſhe might
more perfectly raiſe her heart to heaven. The executi-
oners ſeeing her ſhoulders diſlocated, and ſeveral of her
bones broken, and not perceiving her to breathe, thought
ſhe was dead, and took her down, But ſhe came t
herſelf, and afterward related, that a virgin had appear-
ed to her, who touching every part of her body imme-
diately healed it. See St. Victor, Vitenſ. De Perlec.
Vandal. 1 5. Baron. ad an 484. and the Roman mar-
tyrology on this dx.
St. PzTEeR PasScHaL, B. M. This faint was a na-
tive of Valencia, in Spain, and deſcended of the anci-
ent family of the Paſchals, which had edified the church
by the triumphs of five glorious mattyrs, which it pro-
duced under the Moors. Peter's parents were virtuous
and exceeding; charitable ; and St. Peter Nolaſco often
lodged with them in his travels. The birth of our ſaint
was aſcribed by them to his prayers and bleſſing, andthe
child received from him an early tincture of fincere p-
ety. Peter Paſchal performed his ſtudies under domeſtic
tutors, and having received the tonſure was made canon
at Valencia, ſoon after the king of Arragon had won that
city from the Moors. His preceptor was a prieſt
Narbonne, a doctor of divinity of the faculty of Paris
whom our ſaint's parents had ranſomed from the Moors
who had made him a captive. - St. Peter Paſchal went
with him to Paris, and having ſtudied, preached
taught with great reputation, proceeded doctor: t
returned to Valencia, and after employing a year in pie
paring himſelf took the habit of the Order of our Lad
for the redemption of captives, in 1251, St. Peter No-
laſco was his ſpiritual director at Barcelona, and by the
inſtructions of that experienced maſter our ſaint mac
great progreis in the exerciſes of an interior life. James
L king of Arragon, choſe him preceptor to. his ſon San,
chez, who embraced an eccleſiaſtical ſtate ; afterward
Nec. 6. S. PETER PASCHAL, B. M. 105
entered himſelf in this Order, and was ſoon after made
archbiſhop of Toledo, in 1262. The prince being at
that time too young to receive the epiſcopal. confecra-
tion, St. Peter Paſchal was appointed his ſuffragan to
govern his dioceſs, and was ordained titular biſhop of
Granada; which city was at that time in the hands of
the Mahometans. The prince archbiſhop died a mar-
tyr, of the wounds he received by the Moors, who had
invaded the territory of his dioceſs, making great ha-
yock in his flock, in 1273. St. Peter Paſchal was by
this accident reſtored to his convent ; but joined the
functions of the miniſtry with thoſe of a contemplative
and penitential life. He founded ſeveral new convents
of his Order at Toledo, Baeza, Xerez, and particularly
at Jacn, twenty-two miles from Granada, endeavouring
by this laſt to procure the means of affording ſome ſpi-
ntual ſyccours to the afflicted church of Granada, which
he regarded as his own peculiar charge, though he was
not ſuffered to ſerve jt. The martyrdom of B. Peter of
Chemin, a religious man of the ſame Order which our
ſaint profeſſed, and who was put to death at Tunis, in
1284, kindled in his breaſt an ardent deſire of martyr-
dom. Being made biſhop of Jatn in 1296, fearleſs of
all dangers, he went often to' Granada, and there not
only ranſomed the captives, and inſtructed and comfort-
ed the Chriſtians, but alſo preached to the infidels, and
reconciled to the church ſeveral apoſtates, renegadoes
and others. On this account he was at length ſhut up
m a dark dungeon, with a ſevere prohibition that no one
ſhould be allowed to ſpeak to him: Yet he found means
there to write an excellent treatiſe againſt Mahometan-
im, by which ſeveral were converted. Hereat ſome of
the infidels took great offence, and complained to the
ng, who gave them authority to put him to death in
Whatever manner they ſhould think fir. Whilſt he was
at his prayers after having ſaid maſs in his dungeon, he
vas murdered, receiving two ſtabs in his body: after
Wlich his head was ſtruck off. His martyrdom happen-
ed on the 6th of December, in the year of Chriſt 1 300,
0 his age 52. The Chriſtians procured his chalice, ſa-
Fd omaments and diſcipline, and ſecretly buried his
—
206 8. THEOFRHILUS, K c. dat
body in a grot in a mountain neat Mazzomores. Net
Jong after it was tranſlated to Babza, where it ſtill f.
mans. His name occurs in the Roman martyrology on
the 6th of December, and on the 23d of October. Se
the Memorials drawn up for his canonization, and Hiſt,
des Ord, Relig.
St. TreoPHILUs, Biſhop of Antioch, C. The me.
mory of this illuſtrious biſhop, and learned father of the
ſecond century, has always been dear to the church, and
his writings were highly valued by Euſebius and St, e.
rom for elegance of Nyle, variety of erudition, and «
diſcreet-and warm ſpirit of piety and religion. St. The.
ophilus was born of Gentile: parents who trained him up
in idolatry, and gave him a liberal education. 'Whilt
he was yet young he was well verſed in the works of
the greateſt maſters of ancient philoſophy, and by his
judgment and the acuteneſs of his wit gained much ef
teem among the learned men of that age. By his im-
partial and free ſearch into nature and the ſtate of things,
he found the religion in which he was engaged to be
not only altogether unſatisfactory, but alſo abſurd and
ridiculous, and he had too honeſt an heart to take uf
with falſehood and impiety becauſe it was faſhionable.
In the works of the creation and providence he diſcert-
ed plain notices of the divine Being and perfections. I
bis diligent enquiry after truth. he fell upon the books ef
the prophets and goſpels, and was much delighted with
the ſublime verities which they contain, and the certain
rediction of future events which he diſcovered in them
The doctrine of the reſurrection was for ſome time 1
great ſtumbling- block to him. Indeed there was ſcar:
any article of faith which met with ſo much oppoſition
as this from the heathen philoſophers. So full were the"
heads of the axiom, that from a privation of form ©
the repoſſeſſion of it there can be no return, that the)
underſtood it not only of the order of things in the cl.
di coutſe of nature, but as if it implied a ee
dition. Though certainly in the ſupernatural order
things, it is equally eaſy to Omnipotence to reftore o
ſcattered parts, and combine them again into the lame
per, ö. S. THEOPHILUS, B. c. 107
maſs, as it was at firſt to create them out of nothing.
Theophilus at length conquered this difficulty by read-
ing the ſacred oracles of truth, and by frequent reflec-
tion upon the many ſhadows of a reſurtection which
God hath impreſſed upon many parts of the creation in
the common courſe of nature. This is the account of
the manner of his converſion, which he intimates to his
friend Autolychus, (1) whom he directs to the ſame me-
thod of conviction, Theophilus greatly rejoiced thar
he had attained to the name of a Chriſtian, a name
which he ſtyles, © Dear to God, however deſpiſed by
ignorant and vicious mien.” But knowing that the bare
name would only ſerve to his greater condemnation, he
ſtrenuouſly endeavoured to reap the fruits of this religion
by holinets of life. Eros, ' biſhop of Antioch, dying in
the year 168, the eighth of Marcus Aurelius, he was
choſen the ſixth biſhop of Antioch, as Euſebius and St.
Jcrom reckon him, from Evodius, though the latter
lometimes calls him the ſeventh, including St. Peter.
Theophilus being fixed in his charge ſet himſelf zea,
louſly to promote virtue and true religion, and to draw
men from the wanderings of hereſy and idolatry into
the true path of eternal hfe.' Hereſies and ſchiims he
compared to dangerous rocks, upon which . whoever is
cat, runs the dreadful hazard of lofing his immortal
foul, “As pirates, ſays he, by ſtriking on rocks daſh
in pieces their laden veſſels, ſo whoever are drawn aſide
from the truth, ſhall be miſerably overwhelmed in their
error,” (2) The Vigilance and vigour with which this
boly paſtor oppoſed the firſt advances of hereſy, have
rated a laſting monument to his glory, which will en-
dare till time ſhall be no more. He wrote a confuta-
uon of the hereſy of Marcion,. a treatiſe againſt the he-
rely of Hermogenes, and catechetic diſcourſes, of which,
| the nyuries of time, nothing has been tranſ-
mitted doun to us except ſome few quotations and the
titles and reputation of thoſe writings. His three books
10 Autolychus we have entire, which contain an a
or the chriſtian religion. They are filled with curious
00 8 que gy
ks + abs ad Autolyc. p. 78, &c. (2) L. 2. ad
. — 1
—
W
Lind
4
'q
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mot 9 9 EIS - © ba *©
408 s. TYHEOPHILUS, 3. C. Deck
remarks on paſſages of ancient poets and philoſophen
concerning their ſyſtems of idolatry : the ſtyle is lofy,
ſmooth and elegant; the turn of his thoughts lively and
agreeable, and bis allegories and ſimiles natural and
beautiful, As theſe books were drawn up for the con-
viction of a pagan, and to obviate the calumnies and
reproaches which were caſt upon the chriſtian religion by
its enemies, they muſt not be expected to contain nice
diſquiſitions upon the truths of chriſtianity. It was our
author's part rather to make uſe of ſuch arguments a
would confirm the faith and convict an idolater than to
explain its doctrine. Yet it evidently appears, from {-
veral paſſages, that he was well acquainted with the hid-
den wakes of the goſpel. Petavius and Scultet fan-
cied they diſcovered ſome expreſſions favourable to Ar-
aniſm : but are clearly confuted by Bull, (3) Dom L
Nourry, (4) Dom Maran and others. St. Theophilus
manifeſtly - teaches that God the Son, or the Divine
Wiſdom, is coeval with the Father, and his generation
eternal. (5) What he ſays of his ſecond generation
when he made himſelf manifeſt jn the creation of the
world, (6) and of his third when he was born a man,
cannot ' prejudice his divinity or conſubſtantiality with
his Father. St. Theophilus gives the name of Triny
to the three Divine Perſons in one nature, (7) and be
is the firſt whoſe writings are extant in which that word
is employed to expreſs this myſtery. This father {as
that Adam's diſobedience entailed miſeries on us; ne-
vertheleſs, God took occaſion from his fall to confer an
us the greateſt benefit, and the fin being expiated, has
reſtored us to paradiſe. (8) He doubts not of Adams
ſalvation, (9) which Tatian the hereſiarch (4) ſet himſelf
to deny about that time. (10)
O00 DefenC. fidei Niczng, Sect. 3. F.+ 70 (A) Nour,
2
in Apparatu ad Bibliothecam Patrum, T. iff. 4. c. 3. P. 49%
8 „Theoph. 1. 2. p. 88. (6) Ib. p. 100. 757 L. 2. 550
8) 2 . 10a, log. (9) Ib. & p. 104. (10) 8. Epiph.
her, 46. r 25 F
(a) Tatran, an Aſſyrian by birth, a Chriſtian and an able *
tor, went id Rome, and there becgme a diſciple of St. Juli Fo
of the
-
ec. 6: S. THEOPHILUS, B. c. fog
Autolychus was a. man of great learning and elo-
quence, who ſpent whole nights in converſing with li-
braries, but was exceſſibely zealons for idolatry, and
equally prejudiced againſt the chriſtian religion, which
he counted meer madneſs, and loaded with the moſt odi-
ous calumnies which all the wit and malice of thoſe times
could invent, and he quarrelled with his friend Theo-
philus for defending it. Our ſaint boldly undertook to
ſhew him his errors. Treating him with the ingenuity
of a philoſopher, and the freedom of a friend, without
flattery or diſguiſe; and probing to the bottom of his
fore, in order radically to eure him, he tells him, that
it is in vain for him to make any enquiry after truth,
unleſs he reform his heart, and proceed with views per-
tectly pure: for the paſſions raiſe clouds which blind rea-
lon, *. All men have eyes, fays he, yet the ſun is
veiled from the ſight of ſome. It, however, ceaſes not
to emit a flood of day, though thoſe whoſe eyes are
blinded, ſee not its radiant light. But this defect is to
aſter his martyrdom, being puffed up with pride, which often at-
tends an opinion of a man's own knowledge, he became the head
and author of the hereſy of the Encratites or Continent, ſo called,
becauſe they condemned marriage, and the ufe of certain meats and
wie, leading in appearance ſober and auftere lives. Tatian alſo
adopted Marcion's diſtinction of two gods, of which the ſecond was
the creator, and to him he aſcribed the Old Teſtament; the New to
de other, With the Docetæ he pretended that Chriſt ſuffered only
in appearance. (See St. Clement, of Alexandria, St. Epiphanius, St.
Jerom, &c.) Tatian's Diſcourſe againſt the Gentiles was certainly
vrote by him before his fall ; for in it he approves marriage. This
work is extremely full of profane learning, and the ſtyle is elegant
enough, but exuberant, and the book wants method. In it he proves
t the Greeks were not the inventors of the ſciences, which the
learned from the Hebrews, and had abuſed them. He intermixet
many fatirical reflections upon the ridiculous theology of the hea-
ns and the corrupt manners of their gods and philoſophers. The
edition of this work is given at the end of St. Juſtin's works,
Publiſhed at Oxford in 1700, by Mr. Worth, archdeacon of Wor-
Ceſter ; and that of the Mauriſt Benedictins. Tatian's harmony of
doſpels, which reduced all the four into one, was anciently fa-
2 even amongſt catholics, but dangerous by the affected omiſſion
Tl ages which proved the deſcent of Chriſt from David. (See
nN Haret. Fr I. x. c. 20.) It was called Diateſſeron,
dur in One ; but is not now extant, 2 |
r 3 —
— —
r
—
ren
2 2 22 *
PLO * * "Bo CY
I 4
.
x
— 2 —
=D. —
— — =
=, — —
110 8. THEOPHILUS, B. C. Dee. 6
be laid to their charge, nor can the ſun be complained
of on account of their blindneſs. Thus, my friend, it
is fin that darkens your mind, and blunts the edge of
your underſtanding, As the glaſs repreſents not the
image if it be foiled, ſo the mind receives not the im-
preſſion of God, if it lies immerſed in Gn. This is an
humour which greatly obſtructs the ſight, and prevents
the eye from: beholding the fun. Thus, my friend, your
impiety diffuſes a cloud over the faculties of your foul,
and renders you incapable of receiving the glorious
bght.” In this manner he exhorted. him to ſeek the
truth with his whole heart, and purely with a view to
diſcover it, looking upon this only as his happineſs. He
then proceeds in his firſt book to prove that God is infi-
Rite, and incomprehen ſible in all his perfections, and
elegantly ſets forth his ſovereign wiſdom, power, gaod-
nels, and other attributes: which he illuſtrates from the
frame of the univerſe. _ 1 10
A monſtrous partraiture-is then drawn by him of the
Pagan theology 1n their adoration of impious dead men,
inanimate ſtatues, beaſts, birds, vermin, leeks and oni-
ons. The Egyptian ſuperſtition he deſcribes almoſt in
the words of Juvenal, 00 He concludes this book by
an elegant illuſtration of the reſurreCtion of the dead
from familes found in nature. (c. Autolychus received
Yi, mortal fin an onion to devour,
Each clove of garlic is a # xy fpow'r.
Religious nations ſure, and bleft abodes,
Where ry orchard is o'er-run with gods,” ©
Juv. Sat. 15. v. 12. by Tate.
(c) Athenagoras, an Athenian chriſtian philoſopher, in the ſame
| age, wrote a book On the reſurrection of the dead,” in which
this article is confirmed. The ſame author preſented his Apology
or Legation for the Chriſtians to Marcus Aurelius and his ſon Com.
modus about the year 177. Neither of theſe works was known 10
Euſebius or St. Jerom : but the Legation is quoted by Sr. Methodius,
biſhop of Olympus, and martyr in the perſecution of Dioclefian (ip
8. Epiph. her. 64. n. 21.) and by Photius (Cod. 224.) Both !
pieces, eſpecially the apology, are methodical, ſolid and elegant,
though the ſtyle is too diffuſive. They are tranſlated into E hike bf
Mr. Humphreys, and printed at London, in 1714, with a diVertatyon
on Athenagoras, and another on the refurreQion of the dead.
Dec, 6b. S. THEOPHILUS, B. c. 11
favourably this firſt di ſcourſe, and expreſſed his ſatisfac-
tog to Theophilus, who thereupon in his ſecond book
laid down a confutation of the opinions that were main-
tained by the heathens concerning their gods. He ſhews
ed the contradictions of their poets and philoſophers up-
on this ſubject, and explained the creation and hiſtory
of the world from Moſes, It is a juſt and true remark;
that all nations diſtinguiſhed the ſeventh day, though
only the Jews obſerved it in @ religious manner, and
kaew the original. In contemplating the univerſe he
expreſſes his aſtoniſhment as follows: So adorably
amazing is the greatneſs and goodneſs of God in the
creation, that no one could be able to deſcribe the or-
der and diſpoſition of it; though he were enriched with
the flowing eloquence of a thouſand tongues, and
though a man's life was to be extended to a thouſand
years.” The world he calls a ſea impetuouſly raging
with impiety and enormous wickedneſs; but ſays, the
law and the prophets ſpringing up, as a fountain of freſh
water, have - refreſhed jt with the. falutary ſtreams of,
mercy and juſtice, and the ſacred commands of a gra-
cous Gd. And as in the fea there are iſlands which
ue fruitful and furniſh good harbours for the ſhelter of
mariners who fly to them, and are there ſecured from
the toſſings of the tempeſts; ſo hath God given to the
world holy churches, into whoſe ſafe havens the lovers
of truth fly, and all thoſe who deſire to be ſaved, and
to eſcape the dreadful wrath of God. And there are
other iſlands which want water, and are filled with bar-
ren rocks, and being uninhabitable, are deſtructive to
ſailors, and in which ſhips are daſhed to pieces, or are
unfortunately detained : ſo likewiſe are there erroneous
Wetrines and hereſies which deſtroy thoſe who are ſe-
duced and drawn aſide by them. Theophilus in his
kid book proves, that the writings of the wiſeſt hea-
ns are full of many principles contrary to humanity,
Nght reaſon and ſound morality ; and he ſets off the
bolineſs of the doctrine and lives of the Chriſtians, eſpe-
ly their meekneſs and love of their enemies; for even
Wilt they are ready to fink under the weight of op-
3
112 S. THEO PHILUS, B. c. Des, Der. 7
preſſioi they earneſtly wiſh well to their perſecuton, |
who rage againſt them in all the variety of cruelty,
We have no certain account of the iſſue of this confer-
ence : but Dr. Cave obſerves, that if ſtrength of reaſon, . St.
eloquence, and the prudent management of the cauſe of
truth could prevail, we muſt conclude, that Autolychus
was reclaimed from his error; eſpecially as we find him From _
after the firſt diſcoutſe deſirous of farther inſtruction. his d
St. Theophilus wrote many other works for the edifica- alſo t
tion of the church, which have not reached us. The comp
ſhort eommentary om the goſpels, which bears his name Wil fi.
in the ſecond Tome of the Library of the Fathers, is —
certainly the production of a Latin writer, and of a and |;
later age, as appears by quotations from St. Jerom, 8. Yom
0.
Ambroſe, &c. and the mention of monks. St. Theo-
philus fat 22 years in his biſhopric, and died about
the year 190, the tenth of Commodus. His name oc-
curs in the Roman martyrology on the 1 3th of October,
The moſt correct editions of his books to Autolychus
are, that publiſhed by biſhop Fell at Oxford, in 1684,
that given by John Chriſtopher Wolf at Hamburg, in
1724, and laſtly, that of the Benedictins, with 8.
Juſtin's works. See the teſtimonies of Lactantius, Eu-
ſebins, St. Jerom, &c. on St. Theophilus, collected by
bthop Fell, in his preface, Grabe, Spicil. Patr. Szc. 2
p. 118. Cave, Tillemont, T. z. p. 88. Ceillier, T. 2.
p. 103.
1
44
4
FN,
0 q
o
a 3
—
- X
_ —
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— 20 —
Dec. 7.
St. AMBROSE, B. C. Do
S. AMBROSE, B. C. 173
Dp E c E M B E R VII.
ctor of the
Church. |
From his works, and his ſhort life written at the requeſt of St. Auſ-
tin, by Paulinus, who was his deacon and ſecretary at the time of
his death, and was afterward promoted to the prieſthood, See
alſo the church hiſtorians of that age: and the hiſtories of his life
compiled by Hermant, Tillemont, River, Hift. Liter. de la France,
T. 1. part 2. p. 325. Vagliano, Sommario de gli arciveſcovi di
Milano : and riſche and Nic. le Nourri, the two Mauriſt
Benedictin editors of his works in 1686, at the end of the ſecond
and laſt volume. See alſo, Archiepiſcoporum Mediolanenſium Series
Critico-Chronologica, Auctore Joſ. Saxio Bibl. Ambroſianæ pres
feto. Anno 1756. |
A. D. 397.
Ax invincible courage and conſtancy in reſiſting evil
sa neceſſary ingredient of virtue, 8 in the epiſ-
copal character. Gentleneſs, meekneſs, humility and
obedience make the ſervant of God ready to yield and
conform himſelf to every one in things indifferent: but
in thoſe of duty he is mflexible, not with wilfulneſs or
obſtinacy, but with modeſt, yet invincible firmneſs,
Of this virtue St. Ambroſe, in the judgment of the
leamed Hermant, was the moſt admirable model among
all the great paſtors of God's church ſince the apoſtles,
His father whoſe name was alſo Ambroſe, was prefect of
the prætorium in Gaul, by which office not only France,
but alſo a conſiderable part of Italy and Germany, the
re Roman provinces in Britain, eight in Spain, and
Auritania Tingitana in Africa were under his juriſdic-
UM. (a) He was bleſſed with three children, Marcel-
(a) Every magiſtrate who was a judge of military perſons and
AK and a commander of the foldiery, * ſtyted a Prætor, and
3 court was called Prætorium. The prefect of the prætorium at
= was the commander of the emperor's guard called prætorian:
N n was committed the care of maintaining public diſcipline and
of 800d manners, and he received all appeals made from governors
auer. This office was ereated by Auguſtus to ſupply the
— of Magifter Militum under the dictators. See Hotomanus De
ol. XII. 1 Magiſtra-
= —_
==
—
—— — --
|
|
:
4
4
b
]
4
.
| provinces were ſubject to them, and they commanded
114 8. A M B R O 8 E, B. ot Dec, 7.
lina, the eldeſt who received the religious veil from the
hands of pope Liberius, Satyrus, and our faint who bore
his father's name. It is clear from Paulinus that he was
born in the city where his father reſided and kept his
court in Gaul, but whether this was Arles, Lyons or
Triers, modern authors are not agreed in their conjec-
tures. The ſaint's birth happened about the year 340.
Whilſt the child lay aſleep in one of the courts of his
father's palace, a ſwarm of bees flew about his cradle,
and ſome of them crept in and out at his mouth which
was open; at laſt they mounted up into the air ſo high
that they quite vaniſhed out of fight. This was efteem-
ed a preſage of future greatneſs and eloquence, The
like is faid to have happened to Plato. The father of
St. Ambroſe dying whilſt he was yet an infant, his mo-
ther left Gaul and returned to Rome, her own country,
She took ſpecial care of the education of her children,
and Ambroſe profited much by her inſtructions, and by
the domeſtic examples which ſhe, his fiſter and other
holy virgins that were with them, ſet him.
He learned the Greek language, became a good —
and orator, and went with his brother Satyrus from
Rome to Milan, which was then the ſeat of the Præto-
rium, or ſupreme court of judicature. His writings are
to this day a ſtanding proof how vigorouſly he applied
himſelf to human literature. Having finiſhed his ſtu-
dies he was taken notice of, and his friendthip was
courted, by the firſt men of the empire, particular
by Anicius Probus and Symmachus, two perſons df
Magiſtratibus Romanorum, I. 1. p. 1874. (ap. Grævium, T. 2)
Conſtantine the Great aboliſhed the prætorian guards and the prr-
torium at Rome, and inſtituted four prefects of the prætorium, to
in the Eaſt, the one called of the Eaſt, the other of Illyricum: and
two in the Weſt, called the one of Italy, the other of the Gauls.
Theſe were the ſupreme magiſtrates of the empire, and held the nen
ror. - All other magiſtrates and governors_ja-4her
place to the emperor g g — 1
and the provinces. See Onuphrius, De Imperio Romano, C. 24 4
Grævium, T. 1. p. 449.) Hotomanus, de Magiſtrat. Rom. |. 1. 0
T. 2.) Alſo, Nowra Dignitatum Imperii Occid. p. 1790. *
Grey. T. 7. p. 1790.) Gutherius, De Officiis Domus Auguſtæ f
vallangre, in Theſauro Antiquit. Rom. T. 3.
90 to.
Dec. ).
om the
0 bore
he was
pt his
ons or
conjec-
ar 340.
of his
cradle,
which
ſo high
fteem-
The
ther of
his mo-
ountry,
uldren,
and by
] other
zd poet
s from
Preto-
ngs are
nt
his ſtu-
Up was
iculaily
ſons of
Dec. 7. 8. AMBROSE, B. C. 115
great learning and abilities, though the latter was an
dolater. The firſt was made by Valentinian in 368,
Prætorian prefect of Italy, and in his court St. Am-
broſe pleaded cauſes with ſo much reputation, that Pro-
bus made choice of him to be his aſſeſſor. Afterward
he made him governor of Liguria and Æmilia, that is,
of all that country which comprehends at this» day the
archbiſhoprics, with the ſuffragan dioceſſes, of Milan,
Turin, Genoa, Ravenna and Bologna. Probus who was
a magiſtrate of great worth and integrity, faid to him
at parting: * Go thy way, and govern more like a bi-
ſhop than a judge.” The young governor by his watch-
fulneſs, probity and mildneſs endeavoured to comply
with this advice which was moſt conformable to his na-
tural goodneſs and inclinations. Auxentius, an Arian,
and a violent and ſubtle perſecutor of the catholics, who
upon the baniſhment of St. Dionyſius had uſurped the
ke of Milan, and held it tyrannically for almoſt twenty
years, died in 374. The city was diſtracted by furious
parties and tumults about the election of a new biſhop,
lome of the clergy and people demanding an Arian,
others a catholic for their paſtor. To prevent an open
dition St. Ambroſe thought it the duty of his office to
90 to the church in which the aſſembly was held: there
be made an oration to the people with much diſcretion
and mildneſs, exhorting them to proceed in their choice
with the ſpirit of peace, and without tumult. While
be was yet ſpeaking, a child cried out, Ambroſe Bi-
ſhop.” This the whole aſſembly tock up, and both
tholics and Arians unanimouſly proclaimed him bi-
bop of Milan. This unexpected choice ſurpriſed him:
e preſently withdrew, and made uſe of all the artifices
he could to ſhun this charge. He aicended the bench
Juſtice, and affecting to ſeem cruel and unworthy of
prieſthood, cauſed certain criminals to be brought
fore him, and put to the torture. The people per-
dung all the ſtratagems he made uſe of, to be affect-
continued ſtill in their choice, Whereupon he ſtole
out of the city by night, with a deſign to retire to Pavia:
in miſling his way, he wandered up and down all night,
ad found himſelf next morning at the gates of Milan.
I 2
146 - S. AMBROSE, B. c. Dec.).
His flight being known a guard was ſet upon him, and
a relation of all that had paſſed, was ſent to the. empe-
ror, Whoſe conſent was neceflary that an officer in his
ſervice ſhould be choſen biſhop. Ambroſe wrote allo to
him on his own. behalf, that he might be excufed from
that office. Valentinian who was then at Triers, an-
ſwered the clergy and people, that it gave him the
greateſt pleaſure that he had choſen governors and judges
who were fit for the epiſcopal office. And at the fame
time he ſent an order to the vicar or lieutenaat of Italy to
ſee that the election took place. In the mean time Am-
broſe once more made his eſcape, and hid himſelf in the
houſe of Leontius one of thoſe ſenators. who had the ti-
tle of Clariſſimi: but the vicar of Italy having publiſhed
a ſevere order againſt any one who:ſhould conceal him,
or who knowing where he was, ſhould not diſcover him,
Leontius by an innocent kind of treachery declared
where he was. Ambroſe finding it in vain to reſiſt any
longer, yielded himſelf up; but inſiſted that the ca-
nons forbad any one who was only a catechumen, to be
promoted to the prieſthood. | He was anſwered, that
ſuch eccleſiaſtical canons may be diſpenſed with on ex-
traordinary occalions. Ambroſe therefore was firſt bap-
tized, and after due preparation received the epiſcopal
conſecration on the th of December in 374, not in
373, as ſome have wrote: for Valentinian I. died on the
10th of November in 295. St. Ambroſe was about
thirty-four years old when he was ordained biſhop.
He was no ſooner placed in the epiſcopal chair but
conſidering that he was no longer a man of this world
and reſolving to break all ties which could hold him tot,
he gave to the church and the poor all the gold and filver
of which he was poſſeſſed. His lands and eſtates he
ve alſo to the church, reſerving only an income for
the uſe, of his fiſter Marcellina, during her life. The
care of his family and temporalities he committed to
his brother Satyrus, that being diſengaged from all tem-
poral concerns, he might give himſelf up wholly to -
miniſtry and prayer. So perfectly did he renounce !
world, and his mind dwelt fo much above it, te
temptations to riches and honours never had 45)
our fin
Dee. 7). b. AMB N GS E, B. C. 117
weight with him. Soon after his ordination he wrote td
the emperor Valentinian ſevere complaints againſt ſome
of the imperial judges and magiſtrates, . To which the
empetor replied : I was long fince acquainted with
your freedom of ſpeech, which did not hinder me from
conſenting to your ordination. © Continue to apply ta
our ſins the remedies preſeribed by the divine law.” St.
Baſil alſo wrote to him, (1) to congratulate with him, or
tather with tlie church upen his promotion, and to ex-
hort him vigorouſly to oppoſe the Arians, and to fight a
good fight. St. Ambtoſe firſt applied himſelf to ſtudy
the ſcriptures, and to read eceleſiaſtical writers, particu-
arly Otigen and St. Baſil. In his ſtudies he put himſelf
under the conduct and inſtruction of Simplicianus, a
learned and pious Roman prieſt, whom he loved as a
friend, hoti6ured as a father, and reverenced as a maſ-
ter. This Simplicianus ſucceeded him in the archbi-
ſhopric of Milan, and is honoured among the ſaints on
the 16th of Auguſt. (2) Whilſt St. Ambroſe' ſtudied he
deglected not from the beginning aſſiduouſſy to inſtruct
tis people. He purged the dioceſs of Milan of the lea-
ren of the Arian hereſy with ſuch wonderful ſucceſs that
n the year 385 there remained not one citizen of Milan
nledted with it, except a few Goths, and ſome perſons
belonging to the imperial family, as he aſſures us. (3)
His inſtructions were infotced by an admirable inno-
cenes and purity of manners, prayer, rigorous abſti-
dende, and a faſt which he kept almoſt every day: for
never dined except on Sundays, the feaſts of certain
amous martyrs, and all Saturdays, on which it was the
auſtom at Milan never to faſt : but when he was at
me he faſted on Saturdays. To avoid the danger of
Memperance he excuſed himſelf from going to ban-
quets or great tables, and entertained others at his own
With great frugali ty. He ſpent a conſiderable part both
the day and of the night in devour prayer; and every
offered the holy ſacrifice of the altar for his people.
x13 S. AMBROSE, B. C. Dee.
(4) He devoted himſelf entirely to the ſervice of his
flock, and of every ſtate and condition in it: one labo-
rious employment ſerving for relaxation from another he
allowed himſelf no moments for amuſement, He re-
lieved the poor, comforted the afflicted, and hearkened
to all men with meekneſs and charity, ſo that all his
people loved and admired him. It was an inviolable
rule with him never to have any hand in making matches,
never to perſuade any one to ſerve in the army, and never
to recommend perſons to places at court. He had a foul
exquiſitely tender and compaſſionate, and he often em-
ployed his intereſt to fave the lives of condemned per-
ſons. He wept with thoſe that wept, and he rejoiced
with thoſe that rejoiced. His charity was as extenſive
as the neceſſities of human nature, and he ſtyled the
r his ſtewards and treaſurers, in whoſe hands he de-
poſited his revenues. It was his conſtant care and prac-
tice to do good for evil, and to requite affronts and in-
juries by offices of kindneſs. His chamber was for the
greateſt part of the day filled with perſons who came to
conſult him, and to aſk his private advice, St. Auſtin
when he came to viſit him, always found him fo over
whelmed: with ſuch buſineſs, or fo intent in the few mo-
ments he was able to ſteal to himſelf, that he often went
Dee.
Marce
vered
ſtate.
or Oz
with ſ
by St.
which
chiefly
praiſes
virtue
as a Pt
cla, at
was Ct
elegan
and fy
of vir
ſtate,
ties of
abſten
tual en
and to
before
every
ine
into his chamber, and after ſome ſtay came out again partic
without being perceived by the holy biſhop, whom out conſeg
of mere pity he durſt not interrupt. St. Auſtin whil St. An
he taught rhetoric at Milan before he was baptized, at Bol
aſſiſted frequently at St. Ambroſe's ſermons, not out © not or
piety, but out of curioſity, and for the pleaſure of they er
hearing his eloquence ; but took notice that his delivery St. Me
was not fo pleaſing as that of Fauſtus the Manichee, in the
though what he ſaid was always very ſolid ; and be (3 di
preached every Sunday. (5) ations
Our holy biſhop. in his diſcourſes frequently enlarged the (a
very much on the praiſes of the holy ſtate and virtue © Church
virginity. By his exhortations many virgins who am and oy
from Bologna, Placentia, and even Mauritania, ſerte ture f.
God in this ſtate under his direction. He had bee" b. (6) 8
ſhop only tuo years when at the requeſt of his ſitet 9
TY
(4) Ep. 20. n. 15. (5) St. Aug. Conf, I. 5. e. 13. 1.665
Dec. 7,
of his
2 labo-
her he
Je re-
rkened
all his
10lable
atches,
J never
| a foul
en em-
ed per-
ejoiced
tenſive
ed the
he de-
d prac-
and in-
for the
ame to
Auſtin
0 over-
ew mo⸗
2N went
It again
om out
n whillt
aptized,
t out of
\fure of
delivery
anichee,
and he
enlarged
irtue 0
ho came
„, ſerved
been b.
his ſiſter
| 6. 0. 3
und on the walls were written ſentences of
pee. 7. 8. AMBROSE, B. c. 1109
Marcellina, he committed to writing what he had deli-
vered from the pulpit in commendation of that holy
ſtate. (6) This he executed in his three books, On Virgins
or On Virginity, written in the year 3), and penned
with ſingular elegance, for which they are juſtly admired
by St. Jerom and St. Auſtin, though the fincere piety
which the language every where breathes, deſerves
chiefly the reader's attention. In the firſt book the
praiſes of St. Agnes, and in the ſecond the conduct and
virtues of the Bleſſed Virgin Mary (which he propoſes
as a perfect pattern to virgins) the example of St. The-
cla, and the hiſtory of a Chriſtian virgin of Antioch who
was carried to the ſtews, (7) are ſet off with inimitable
elegance, and painted with the moſt beautiful flowers
and figures of rhetoric, He enlarges on the excellency
of virginity, and ſhews the ſpiritual advantages of that
ſtate, In the third book he preſcribes the principal du-
ties of thoſe who have embraced it, ordering them to be
abſtemious, to ſhun viſits, and apply themſelves to ſpiri-
tual exerciſes, and reflection, to pray often in the day
and to repeat the Lord's Prayer and the Pſalms in bed
before they ſleep, and when they awake; and to recite
every morning the Creed as the ſeal of our faith.” He
adds, that they ought to weep, and to ſhun exceſſive mirth,
particularly dancing, on which he mentiqns the fatal
conſequences of the dancing of Herodias's daughter.
St. Ambroſe mentions (8) that there were twenty virgins
at Bologna, and that they laboured with their own hands,
not only that they might gain a ſubſiſtence, but that
they might alſo have wherewithal to beſtow in charity.
d.. Marcellina who received the veil from pope Liberius
in the church of St. Peter at Rome on Chriſtmas-day,
(9) did not live in a ſociety of virgins, but with her re-
ons in Rome. Many other conſecrated virgins did
ihe ſame at that time. But they had a part of the
urch to themſelves, ſeparated from the reſt by boards;
; Wa e ſerip-
dre for their inſtruction, (10) St. Ambroſe wrote his
F (6) St. Ambr, I. 1. de W (7) See SS. Theodora, and Di-
* (8) L. 1. de Virgin. c. 10. and l. de Inſtit. Virgin. c. 1,
) K. Ame, I. 3. de Virgin, e. 1. (19) L. ad Virg. lapl. e. 6,
120 S8. AMBROSE, B. C. Dee, 4, Dec. 7.
treatiſe, Of Widows, ſoon after the former work, to the init
exhort them to perpetual chaſtity. This was ſoon fol- author
lowed by that, On Virginity, which he compiled to give ſpiritus
us from the holy ſcriptures an high idea of that virtue: crates |
but he adds a molt neceſſary caution that the veil is not
to be given raſhly to young virgins, eſpecially ſuch as
are of a light unconſtant behaviour. Some com- The
plain,” ſays he, that mankind will ſhortly fail if 6 Triers,
many are conſecrated virgins. 1 deſire to know who Wi Pannor
ever wanted a wife, and could not find one? The kill ans anc
ing of an adulterer, the purſuing or waging war again year 3.
a raviſher, are the conſequences of marriage. The by his
number of people is greateſt where virginity is moſt ef at Trie
teemed. Inquire how many virgins are canſecrated in the
every year at Alexandria, all over the Eaſt, and in Afr tina a
ca, where there are more virgins than there are men in Wl of Pan
this country.“ May not the French and Auſtrian Ne- emperc
therlands full of numerous monaſteries, yet covered wil WW ban to
populous cities, be at preſent eſteemed a proof of this ther th
remark? The populouſneſs of China, where great num- and co
bers of .new-born infants are daily expoſed to periſh, is WH is hd
a dreadful proof that the voluntary virginity of fome and 11
in theſe remate ages of ; the world, is no prejudice. his bro
Wars and the lea, not the number of virgins, are the Mentz,
deſtroyers of the human race, as St. Ambroſe obſerves; the Ro
though the ſtare of virginity is not to be raſhly engaged determ
in, and marriage is not only holy, but the general ſtate of his
of mankind in the. world. St. Ambroſe's book entitled: againſt
The Inſtitution of a Virgin, contains a confutation Protect
Bonoſus who renewed the error of Helvidius, denying with a
the . perpetual virginity of the holy mother of igunſt
The faint adds the inſtructions he had given to Amd WF 0)
ſia, one of the twenty virgins at Bologna who ſerved Fath |
under his direction: he ſhews that retirement, filenc%, books
humility and prayer are the principal duties of a Cui ind ig
tian virgin. Towards the end, the ceremonies of t
ſolemn profeſſion of a virgin are deſcribed, She pie
ſented herſelf at the foot of the altar, where ſhe m
her profeſſion before the people: the biſhop preached t9
her, and gave her the veil which diſtinguiſhed her from
other virgins; but her hair was not cut as was dane 1
Dec, J.
Ik, to
on fol-
to give
virtue:
bee. . S. AMBROSE, B. c. 121
the initiation of clergymen and monks. In the cloſe the
author invites Jeſus Chriſt to come on the day of theſe
ſpiritual nuptials to receive his handmaid, who conſe-
crates herſelf to him by a public profeſſion after having
long before dedicated herſelf to him in ſpirit and in her
heart. HR H 8 ne ROOT R
The emperor Valentinian I. who reſided ſometimes at
Triers, ſometimes at Milan, died of an apoplexy in
Pannonia, being engaged in a war againſt the Sarmati-
ans and the Quadi, on the 19th of November, in the
year 395, of his age fifty- five. Gratian, his eldeſt ſon,
by his firſt wife Severa, then ſixteen years old, was then
at Triers, and had been before affociated by his father
in the empire. Valentinian, his younger fon, by Juf-
tina a ſecond wife, was with his mother on the borders
of Pannonia, and him the army of his father ſaluted
emperor, though he was then only four years old. Gra-
tan took not this ſtep amiſs, but confirmed to his br&
ther that dignity, and promiſed to be to him a father,
and contenting himſelf with the provinces which lie on
this hide of the Alps, yielded up to him Italy, Africa
and Illyricum, though be kept the adminiſtration till
lis brother ſnould be of age, and reſided at Triers or
Mentz. Fritigern, king of the Goths, having invaded
the Roman territories in Thrace and Pannonia, Gratian
determined to lead an army into the Eaſt to the ſuccour
of his uncle Valens. But in order to guard himſelf
againſt the ſnares of Arianiſm, of which Valens was the
protector, he defired of St. Ambroſe, whom he honoured
wh a ſingular veneration, ſome inſtructions in writing
%unſt that hereſy. In compliance with this requeſt the
holy prelate wrote in 377 the work entitled, On the
Faith to Grattan, or On the Trinity, which, with three
books which he added in 379, conſiſts of five books,
ind is an excellent confutation of the Arian hereſy, is
unten with much wit, vigour and ſubtilty, the ſubject
s ſet off with lively and pleaſant deſcriptions, and the
tions are removed with great clearneſs. St. Am-
fole's books, Of the Holy. Ghoft, are written in a leſs
"oy leſs lively and ſmart ſtyle than the former, be-
"ute, fays St. Auſtin, the ſubjects required not orna-
'
|
0
;
1
|
|
1
|
9
|
5
p
|
122 s. AMBROSE, B. c. Des.
ments of ſpeech to move the heart, but proofs of the
divine truth concerning the conſubſtantiality of the
Third Perſon addreſſed to the underſtanding. Many
things in it are copied from St. Athanaſius, and from
Didy mus and St. Baſil's books on that ſubject. St. Am-
broſe's book, On the Incarnation, is an anſwer to cer-
tain objections of the Arians addreſſed to two officers of
Gratian's court. |
Valens was defeated by the Goths whom he had raſhly
engaged not very far from Adrianople, and was himſelf
burnt in a cottage into which he had retired in his flight,
in order to have his wounds dreſſed, in 378. His un-
happy death was looked upon as a juſt judgment for his
perſecution of the catholics, and his tyranny, eſpecially
in having cauſed the ſtreets of Antioch to ſwim with
ſtreams of {innocent blood, and many houles to be con-
ſumed by flames: for which it was ſaid he deſerved to
be himſelf burnt : and as he was hated whilſt he lived,
O he died without being regretted. . Gratian by the
death of Valens became maſter of the eaſtern empire:
but ſeeing it attacked on all ſides by triumphant barbs
rians, ſent thither Theodoſius, a general of great pro-
bity and valour, who with his father, a virtuous genen
of the ſame name, had triumphed over the barbarians
Britain and Africa: but the father, out of mere jealouly,
being unjuſtly put to death by Valens, the ſon had ge
from that time a retired life in Spain. Theodoſius vat-
quiſhed the Goths, pacified the whole empire, and made
excellent regulations in all the provinces under his cor
mand, inſomuch that on the 16th of January in 379
Gratian gave him the purple and crown at Sirmich,
1 of their two armies, and declared him bis co
eague, and emperor of the Eaſt, giving him Thrace
and all that Valens had. poſſeſſed, and alſo the Eaſtem
part of Illyricum, of which Theſſalonica was then t
capital. The Goths had extended their ravages from
Thrace into Illyricum, and as far as the Alps. 8t. 5
broſe not content to lay out all the money he could ral n
jn redeeming the captives, employed far that uſe t
gold veſlels belonging to the church, which he *
io be broken and melted down ; but ſuch only as N
Nec. 7.
not yet
preſſing
on this
it muc
gold; |
nour ©
were I
find,”
out in
but hat
tion.”
lllyricu
care ol
branch
ſo muc
that w
with th
In z
he had
datyrus
ney du
Ing ba
be hol
with h
that th
thoſe y
light of
um, wh
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about |
keking
was th
nn the
men ac
der to
whethe
that IS,
And fir
be choſ
(11)
Vit. Amb
ber. 7. 8. AMBROSE, B. c. 123
not yet conſecrated, reſerving thoſe which were for a more
preſſing neceſſity. (11) The: Arians reproached him up-
on this account; to whom he anſwered, that he thought
it much more expedient to fave the fouls of men than
gold; for not only the lives of the captives, and the ho-
were reſcued from being educated in idolatry. * I
find,” faid he, . that the blood of Jeſus Chriſt poured
out in the gold plate, hath not_only. ſhone therein,
but hath alſo impreſſed upon it the virtue of redemp-
tion.” Many Arians who upon that occaſion fled from
Ilyricum into Italy, were converted to the faith by the
care of St. Ambroſe, who was indefatigable in every
branch of his paſtoral charge. Every Lent he beſtowed
o much pains and labour in inſtructing the catechumens,
that when he died five biſhops could hardly. go through
with that which he uſed himſelf to perform. (12)
In 379 St. Ambroſe loſt his brother Satyrus, to whom
he had committed the care of all his temporal affairs,
datyrus attempting to go to Africa to recover ſome mo-
ney due to his brother, was ſhipwrecked ; and not be-
ing baptized, deſired ſome that were there to give him
the holy myſteries, that is, the bleſſed euchariſt, to carry
iriansin WY wich him; for the faithful carried it in long voyages,
ealouy, WH at they might not die deprived of it. As none but
thoſe who were baptized, were allowed even to have a
lght of it, Satyrus begged them to wrap it in an Orari-
um, which was a kind of long handkerchief, at that time
worn by the Romans about their necks. This he wrapt
about him, and threw himſelf into the ſea, without
kcking a plank to ſupport him: yet by ſwimming he
vas the firſt who came to land. It ſeems to have been
q the iſle of Sardinia. Satyrus being then a catechu-
— addreſſed himſelf to the biſhop of the place in or-
to be immediately baptized: but firſt. aſxed him
rather be was in communion with the catholic biſhops,
Fay 's, with the church of Rome, ſays St. Ambroſe.
d finding that he took part in the ſchiſm of Lucifer,
be choſe rather to venture again upon the ſea than to re-
02 et. A br. * . . 5 in
W. Ambrof n. 2 2. c. 15. n. 70. & c. 28 (12) Paulin.
nour of the women were preſerved, but the children
|
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$
.
;
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4
4
124 S. AMBROSE, B. O. Dec.,
ceive baptiſm from a ſchiſmatic. When he arrived in:
catholic country he was baptized, the grace of which
facrament he never forfeited, as his brother affirms. 83.
tyrus died ſoon after his return to Milan, in the arms of
St. Ambroſe and St, Matcellina, and left His wealth to
be diſpeſed of by them, without making a will. They
thought he had only made them ſtewards of jt, and gave
it all to the poor. The funeral of Satyrus was performed
with great ſolemnity, at which St. Ambroſe made an
oration which is extant, from which theſe particulars
are taken. (13) The ſeventh day after, they returned to
the grave to repeat the ſolemn obſequies as was uſual;
and St. Ambroſe made there another diſcourſe, in whict
he expatiated on the. happineſs of death, and the beſief d
the reſurre&tion : on which account it is often called 4
Diſcourſe on tbe Reſurreftion. The church commemo-
rates St. Satyrus on the 17th of September.
In 381 St. Ambroſe held a councit at Milan, againk
the hereſy of Apollinaris: and aſſiſted at another at A.
quileia, in which he procured the depoſition of tuo A.
rian biſhops named Palladius and Secundianus. In 1
journey which he made to Sirmich, he compaſſed the
election of a catholic biſhop to gecupy that lee, not.
withſtanding the mtrigues of the empreſs Juſtina in far
vour of an Arian candidate. In 382 our faint afſiſted
at a/council which pope Damaſus held at Rome in orde!
to apply a remedy to the diviſions which reigned in the
oriental church about the ſee of Antioch. Paulinus te.
lates, that whilſt he continued there a, certain woman
that kept a public bath, and lay bed-rid of a palfy, caul⸗
ed herſelf to be conveyed in a chair to the place where
the holy biſhop ſaid maſs, and importuned him to inter-
cede with heaven for her. And while he was praying,
and laying his hands upon her, ſhe caught hold of his
garments, and kiſſing them found her tength return,
and roſe up and walked. m_ 14
The emperor Gratian was chaſte, temperate, me
benefieent, and a zealous catholic ; and St. ac
obtained of him among other wholeſome laws one U
(13) St. Ambr. De Exceſſu Fr, Satyri.
Dec. 7.
which, t
it was Cl
thirty d
prince
houſe, \
empero!
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ſuch cor
creation
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and loo
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enated t
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Dec. 7+ S.AMB/ROSE, B. C. 125
ee. 7. . * *
which, to prevent ſurpriſes in condemning accuſed perſons,
_ 3 itwas enacted, that no one ſhould be executed ſooner than
. ny days after ſentence, He prevailed with the ſame
woe of MY prince to remove the altar of Victory out of. the ſenate
bone, which Julian the Apoſtate had reſtored. Yet this
Th emperor gave too much of his time to hunting, ſhoot-
c 0 ng of beaſts in a park, cafting the javelin and other
Nt ccd corporal exercifes, making an employment of a re-
creation, in which idleneſs his governors and miniſters
** entertained him that they. might remain maſters of af-
ned io u. Hence he did not ſufficiently attend to buſineſs,
aſual: and look into the conduct of his officers ; and Macedo-
ry WS prefect of the pretorium, was a man openly ad-
check ed to bribery. Complaints which were raiſed, ali-
nated the affections of many; and Maximus, an ac-
cmpliſhed general who commanded the troops in Bri-
tan (where Theodohus had formerly been his colleague,
ink vho was then become emperor of the Eaſt), aſſumed the
* oe, and paſſed with his army into Gaul. Gratian
1 left Triers upon his approach, and near Lyons a battle
b fought which continued five days, till Gratian per-
10 he ling part of his army deſerting him fled with three
b. hundred horſe. Andragathius, general of Maximus's
zn . lorſe, contrived the following ſttatagem. He was car-
aſſiſted ned in a cloſe horſe: litter, and it was given out that it
in ordet iN” the empreſs who was coming to her huſband. Gra-
d in the ian paſſed the Rhone to meet her: but when he came
inus T6 "ny the general leaped out of the litter, and ſtabbed
1 m. This happened on the 2 gth of Auguſt, in 383.
cf. wre lamented with bis expiring breath that his father
* mbroſe was not with him. Maximus after this ranged
to 10ter- t pleaſure, treated thoſe of Gratian's party with great
praying, "ery, and threatened to croſs the Alps, and attack
d of his "Tarr IL Gratian's half-brother, who: reſided at
h return, dan with his mother Juſtina. To prevent this danger
- mpreſs diſpatched St. Ambroſe upon an embaſſy to
ot mild, ** (Tg The ſaint by the gravity of his perſon, the
1 "ity of his office, his humble addreſs and eloquent
ons, ſtopped the uſurper in his march; and at
On concluded with. him a treaty by which Maximus
o enjoy Gaul, Britain and Spain, and Valentinian
E
— . ˙ A Loa iS SS So. ERS
|
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J
—
ud
0
1
N
AMBROSE, B. C. Der. Ns
Weſt, St. Ambroſe paſſed her huf
the winter with Maximus at Triers in 384 3 and had the peace
ly to refuſe to communicate with a ty- mus anc
— waar” rc with the blood of his maſter, and the cat
126
Italy with the reſt of the
rant who , -
im to do penance. In theſe times of confu grate
— arr at — attempted to reſtore the abo- 0 — |
liſhed rites of their ſuperſtition. At their head appeat- + by
ed Quintus Aurelius Symmachus, a ſenator of great im un
- EMINENCE, an admirable ſcholar, ſtateſman and orator, - t
prefect of Rome. In Autumn, in the year n, an
that he
other r
mandec
at leaſt
tain de
ſeſſion
nal eſc
ſeized
Ambre
tar, W
blood
cons v
niſh tl
hundr
at that time E
384, this man preſented a requeſt to Valentimian. 1 the
ſenate, begging that the altar of ViQory
—— the iſhed — = ſenate-houle, and the 1s
eſts and veſtal virgins; to
Sends ſperity of ancient Rome,
ſented to Gratian in
Le nators (who
St. Ambroſe having privately recewe —
machus's petition, Wrote againl = 1
jes or letters to Valentinian, in which eve
f ho was
quence ſeems ſuperior to that of the 2 8 247
| ed the greateſt orator of his age.
— that 2 of Symmachus's petition ſhould be
icated to bim, remonſtrating at the ſame ume they v
— chat as all the ſubſecis of oy d ——
empire ought to ſubmit to him, ſo he Was © 105 4 5
: the only true God, and to: defend the re 90 wy
Chriſt; that he could never concur to ido by —_ ws
church or biſhops would never receive ob — yo _
him who had given ornaments to the wr w 2 5 —
his gifts cannot be preſented on the altar o 8 * —
who hath made an altar for falſe gods, _ gy” *
ſecond the ſaint confuted all that was : B egos als
petition. (15) Theſe apologies being rea A the Ger =
cil in preſence of the emperor, he — u dbehe tn
tiles, that he joved Rome as his mother, ke
at
he author of his ſalvation. - *
2 gueſs Juſtina, though an Arian, dur. fr
openly eſpouſe the intereſt of her ſect during
(14) St. Ambr. ep. 17. (15) Ep. 18.
Dec. 6. 8. AMBROSE, B. o. 9
her huſband Valentinian IJ. and of Gratian. But the
peace which St. Ambroſe had procured between Maxi-
mus and her ſon, gave her an opportunity to perſecute
the catholics, eſpecially the holy biſhop: for ſhe un-
gratefully forgot the obligations which ſhe and her fon
had to him, When Eaſter was near at hand, in 985,
ſhe ſent to him certain miniſters of ſtate to demand of
him the Portian baſilic, now called St. Victor's, with-
out the city, for the uſe of the Arians, for herſelf, her
fon, and many officers of the court. The faint replied
that he could never give up the temple of God. By
other meſſengers of the firſt rank ſhe afterwards de-
manded the new baſilic: then again inſiſted on havi
at leaſt the former: but the biſhop was inflexible. Cer-
tain deans or officers of the court were ſent to take pol-
ſeſſion of the Portian baſilic by hanging up in it impe-
nal eſcutcheons. The citizens enraged at this violence,
ſeized in the ſtreet an Arian prieſt called Caſtulus. St.
Ambroſe being informed of this whilſt he was at the al-
tar, wept bitterly, prayed that God would ſuffer no
blood to be ſhed, and ſent out certain prieſts and dea-
cons who delivered the Arian prieſt. The court to pu-
niſh the citizens for this commotion, taxed them two
hundred pounds weight in gold. They anſwered that
they were willing to pay as much more, provided they
might be allowed to -retain the true faith. Certain
counts and tribunes came to ſummon St. Ambroſe to
deliver up the baſilic, ſaying, the emperor claimed it as
his right. The biſhop anſwered: Should he require
wt is my own, as my land or my money, I would
not refuſe him, though all that 1 poſſeſs, belongs to the
Poor : but the emperor has no right to that which be-
longs to God. If you require my eſtate, you may take
; if my body, I readily give it up; have you a mind
v bad me with irons, or to put me to death, I am con-
— [ ſhall not fly to the protection of the people, nor
"ing to the altars: I chooſe rather to be ſacrificed for the
© of the altars.” (16) St. Ambroſe continued all
that day in the old baſilic; but at night went home to
ud) Rufin, Hil. 1, 14, & is. St. Antbroſe, ep. 20. ad Sorve,
un, Ital. P. 17.
TR.
Oo, a Rs.
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128 8. A M B R O 8 E, B. C. Dec. y,
his houſe, that if they deſigned to ſeize him, they might
readily find him. The next morning, which was Wed- Was (
neſday, he went out before day to the old baſilic, which Tl
was immediately ſurrounded with ſoldiers. A troop of Amb
ſoldiers was ſent to ſeize on the new church; but 8. her ſc
Ambroſe ſent certain prieſts thither to officiate, and ſembl
they threatened the ſoldiers with excommunication if of Jar
they offered any violence: and they came into the Merci
church and prayed peaceably, being catholics. In the thoſe
evening St. Ambroſe-preached on -patience. After the tus I.
ſermon a ſecretary arrived from the court, who calling One 1
the. biſhop aſide made him ſevere reproaches, and told blies 0
him that he ſet himſelf up for a tyrant. The biſhop lent a
replied: Maximus who complains that by my em. withot
baſſy I ſtopped him from marching into Italy, lays not to dea
that | ar the tyrant over Valentinian. Biſhops never ſet Lent,
themſelves up for tyrants ; but have often ſuffered much tian b
from tyrants.” The catholics ſpent all that day in ſor- would
row: and the bafilic being ſurrounded with ſoldiers, ot. ſhall I
Ambroſe could not return home to his own houſe; but WW ſhould
gaſſed the night in reading pfalms with his brethren in died ir
e little bahlic of the church, or in ſome oratory in tie ius th
outer buildings. The next day which was Maundy y b
Thurſday, St. Ambroſe prayed and preached to the peo, 2 ne
Ich a
ple, till news was bronght him that the emperor
withdrawn the ſoldiers from the baſilic, and had reſtored
to the merchants and citizens the mulct which he had
impoſed upon them. Upon which all joined in Jo) and
thankſgiving. St. Ambroſe gave an account of the
tranſactions to his ſiſter Marcellina who was then 4
Rome, and had earneſtly begged it of him. At the
concluſion of this relation, he adds that he foreſt
greater commotions. After this he ſays: ** The eun n
Caligonus, high chamberlain, ſaid to me: Thou deſpit
Valentinian, whilſt I am yet living; I will cut off t 7
head.” To which I replied; © May God permit men
to ſuffer: then I ſhall ſuffer as a biſhop, and 14
act a part becoming an eunuch or courtier. 1 be —
God that all the enemies of the church may ccaſe pes 5
cuting her, and level all their ſhafts at me, to 47
Dec. 7.
y might
s Wed-
„ Which
roop of
but St.
te, and
ation if
nto the
In the
fter the
calling
nd told
biſhop
ny em-
ays not
ever (et
d much
y 10 ſor-
ers, St.
ie; but
their thirſt with my blood.” (19) Soon after Calligonus
was convicted of a heinous crime, and beheaded.
The empreſs was ſtill more exaſperated againſt St.
Ambroſe by the reſiſtance of the people; and perſuaded
her ſon to make a law for authoriſing the religious aſ-
ſemblies of the Arians, which was publiſhed on the 22d
of January, 386. (18) The true author of this law was
Mercurinus whom the Arians made biſhop of Milan for
thoſe of their ſect, and who toak the name of Auxen-
tius II. In conſequence of this law which forbad any
one under pain of death ta oppoſe the religious aſſem-
blies of Arians, no one could ſo much as adviſe or pre-
ent a petition againſt a church being yielded up to them
without incurring the danger of being proſcribed or put
to death. (19) The empreſs therefore in the following
ent, in 386, again demanded of St. Ambroſe the Por-
tian baſilic. The holy prelate anſwered: . Naboth
would not give up the inheritance of his anceſtors, and
ſhall I give up that of Jeſus Chriſt? God forbid that I
ſhould abandon that of my fathers, of St. Dionyſius who
died in exile for the defence of the faith; of St. Euſtor-
us the confeſſor; of St. Miroclus, and of all the other
y biſhops my predeceſſors.” Dalmatius, a tribune
and notary, came to St. Ambroſe from the emperor,
with an order that he ſhould chooſe his judges at court,
& Auxentius had done on his ſide, that his and Auxen-
uus s cauſe might be tried before them and the emperor:
Which if he refuſed to do, he was forthwith to retire,
id yield up his ſee to Auxentius. The faint took the
Wvice of his clergy, and of ſome catholic biſhops who
vere then at Milan; then. wrote his anſwer to the em-
ror, wherein amongſt other things he ſays : * Who
an deny that in cauſes of faith the biſhops judge. chriſ-
um emperors? fo far are they from being judged by
Would you have me chooſe lay-judges, that if
maintain the true faith, they may be baniſhed, or
A to death? Would you have me expoſe them either
ls Prevarication, or to torments? Ambroſe is not of
t conſequence, for the prieſthood to be debaſed and
7 St. Au . 6 .
Col. Thee fl. 6. cap. Julian, e. 14. 1. 4 (46) L. wit,
Vol. Alt Fide Cathol, ( 8 St. Ambr. ep. 21. ad Valen.
5 2 rr l
|
|
|
f
y
Y
$35 . AMBROSE; &.
*
to be compared wich the 5 rity of all the biſhops, If
be held about the faith, it belongs to
the biſhops 'ts hof bi as was gone under Conftintine,
a conference is to, be held
*
who left them the liberty of being judges!” “
After ane remonſtrarice to the emperor, fign-
hand, St. Atmbtofe retired into the chutch,
where he was for ſome time Eptded ty the people who
d. and day, leſt he ſhould be cat:
ried away by violence: ahd the church was ſoon ſut!
rounded by ſoldiers ſent from court; who ſuffered peop
ed by his o
* 5
*
.
*
ſtood within doors night an
to go in, but no one to come out. St. Ambroſe being
thus ſhut up with the people, preached often to them.
One of thoſe ſermons which: he made on Palm-Sunday
is extant $20) under this title? On not delivering up il
bafilics. In it he ſays: Are ybu afraid. that i would
forſake you, to ſecure my own life? But you might hare
zbleryed by my anſwer, that I could not poſſibly forfake
the church, becauſe I fear the Lord of the whole world
more than the emperor: that if they carry me by fore?
trom the church, they may draw away my body, but
they can never ſeparate my mind from it: that if le
proceeds againſt me as a prince, I will ſuffer as a biſhop,
y then are you troubled? I ſhall never quit you vo.
ſuntarily; but I can never teſiſt or oppoſe violence.
can ſigh and lament: I can weep and groan. But tean
are my only arms againſt ſwords, ſoldiers, and Goth.
Biſhops have no other defence; I cannot, I ought nt
ja rol any other ways. But as to flying away and for-
aking my church, that 1 will never do- The reſpet
which J have for the emperor does not make me jel
cowardly ;: I offer. myſelf willingly to torments, and fea
not the miſchiefs they threaten me with. . . It was pr
poſed to me to deliver up the veſſels belonging to the
church: I anſwered, that if they aſked me for my oy
my gold, or my filver, I willingly offered them: but
can take nothing out of the church of God. If they
aim at my body and my life, you ought only to be 12
tators of the Combat; if it is appointed by God, |
your precautions-will be vains He that loveth me *
(20) See Ambr. Serm. de Baſil, non trad, poſt ep. 21. 1. 5% 19
diſhonoufed for his ſake. The life of one man is not
* ee gre 4
Dec. be. 7. S. AMBROSE, B. c. 137
is not WM not give a better teſtimony thereof than by ſuffering me
zps. Fo become the victim of Jeſus Chriſt, . . . I expected
longs to WW ſomething extraordinary, either to be killed by the
kantine, ſvord, or to be burnt for the name of Jeſus Chriſt.
bey offer me pleaſures inſtead of ſufferings. Let none
therefore diſturb you by ſaying, that a chariot is pre-
pared, or that Auxentius hath-ſpoken ſevere things.
It was generally faid, that murderers were ſent, and
that I was condemned to die. I fear it not, and will not
leaye this place. Whither ſhould I go? Is not every
place full of groans and tears, fince orders are every
where given to drive away catholic biſhops, to put thoſe
to death who reſiſt, and to proſcribe.all the officers of ci-
ties who put not theſe orders in execution. What
have we ſaid in our anſwers to the emperor. which is not
agreeable to duty and humility? If he aſketh tribute,
ve do not refuſe it: the church lands pay tribute. If
be defireth our eſtates, he may take them: none of us
maketh any oppoſition : I do not give them; but then
| do not refuſe them: the. people's contributions are
more than ſufficient to maintain the poor. We are re-
proached on account of the gold which we diſtribute
amongſt them: ſo far am l from denying it, that glory
mit: the prayers of the poor are my defence; thoſe
blind, thoſe lame, thoſe aged perſons are more powerful
than the ſtouteſt warriors, We render to Cæſar the
ſlings that are Cæſar's, and to God the things that are
God's... The tribute is Cæſar's, the church is God's.
No body can ſay that this is to be wanting in reſpect to
the emperor. What is more for his honour than to ſtyle
lm the fon of the church? The emperor” is in the
church, not above it.” The ſaint ſpoke with an aſto-
ilhing intrepidity of the ſword, fire, or baniſhment,
e boldly the impiety of Auxentius, and other
"an perſecutors, and called their new law a flying
"0rd ſent over the empire to kill ſome by corporal death,
hers in their ſouls by the guilt of ſacnlege. What he
mentioned of the chariot is explained by Paulinus, who
——
ö „„
*
e.
"a
ea
bl
relates that one Euthymius had placed a chariot at a
near the church, that he might take away St.
Ambroſe with greater caſe, and carry him into baniſh-
* K 2 ® "' -
132 S. AMBROS . B. C. Dec. q, dee. 7
ment. But a year after he was himſelf put into the God
ſame chariot, and carried from that very houſe into be- d 105
niſhment: under which misfortune St, Ambroſe fur- Wl ve
niſhed him with money and other neceſſaries for his jour- Hick) |
ney. This hiſtorian mentions ſeveral other ſtratagems Wl He wri
laid during this time to take or kill the ſervant of God, Wi (which
and fays that one came with a ſword to the chamber of flic) ir
St, Ambroſe, in order to murder him; but that lifting WW the Ro
up his hand with the naked ſword, his arm remained Wl near th
extended in the air motionleſs, till he confeſſed that Juſ- Wl relicks
tina had (ent him upon that errand, and upon his - yy befc
pentance he recovered the uſe of the arm. When St. Wl Felix.
Ambroſe had remained ſeveral days in the church and Bi fue
adjacent buildings within its incloſure, with the people and the
who kept the doors ſhut, and guarded the paſſes, the WW fan bat
guards were removed, and he returned to his houſe. ed Seve
St. Ambroſe mentions (21) that the Arians reproached BW the bie
him with leading the people into error by ſinging hymns; ud the
and he allows that by hymns he taught them to teſtify
their faith in the Trinity. To comfort his people under
this perſecution, he encouraged them to aſſiduity in ling
ing the hymns and anthems which he compoſed, Pſalms
were always ſung throughout the whole church: but 8.
Ambroſe ' ſeems firſt to have eſtabliſhed at Milan the
cuſtom which he learned from the Oriental churches,
of ſinging pſalms alternately by two choirs, (22) whic
ſpread from Milan to all the churches of the Welt. (
(21) Serm. de Baſil. non trad. n. 34. Paulin. vit. n. 3.
(az) S. Iſid. Offic. l. 1. c. 7. 8. Aug. Conf. 1. 9. c. 7-
(0 Several hymns compoſed by St, Ambroſe are ſtill uſed by the
| Latin church in the divine office. Among theſe, twelve are aſcr
to him by St. Auſtin, St. Ifidore, Bede, Caſſiodorus, the Romi
council in 430, Ke. as Deus Creator Omniun— Jam ſurg!/
tertia—eni Redemptor Gentium—llluminans aliiſimu.— Elin
| Chrifti Munera—Somno refeftis artubus—Conſors paterni lum
O lux beata Trinjitas—Fit porta Chriſti pervia, &c. Moſt of ur
hymous which occur in the daily or ferial office in the Latin churc
ſcem to be St. Ambroſe s. This holy doctor is faid to have firſt a.
troduced into the Weſt the cuſtom of ſinging hymns in the Fu
Thoſe which he made are ſo compoſed, that the ſenſe ends 110
fourth verſe, that they may be ſung by two choruſes. S. K.
was at the ſame time an excellent compoſer of hymns.
Dec. .
ato the
into ba-
ole fur-
his jour-
atagems
of God,
mber of
t lifting
>mained
hat Juſ-
his re-
hen St.
rch and
lumini
oft of the
in church
e firſt w.
be church.
4s at the
St, Hi
og ts,
de.). 8. AMBROSE, 3. e. 33
Cod gave a viſible conſolation to this ſaint and his afflict-
ed flock in the very heat of the perſecution by the dif
covery of the relicks of SS. Gervaſius and Protaſius, of
which he gives an account in a letter to his ſiſter. (23)
He writes, that being deſirous to dedicate a new church
(which at preſent is called from him the Ambroſian ba-
flic) in the ſame manner that he had before conſecrated
the Roman baſilic (which was another church at Milan,
near the Roman gate) he was at a loſs for want of ſome
clicks of martyrs, till cauſing the ground to be broke
lp before the rails of the ſepulchres of SS. Nabor and
Felix, he found the bones & SS. Gervaſius and Prota-
ſus. Theſe relicks were laid in the Fauſtinian baſilic,
and the next morning were tranſlated into the Ambro-
lan baſilic; during which tranſlation a blind man, nam-
ed Severus, a butcher by trade, was cured by touchin
the bier on which the relicks lay, with an handkerchief,
ud then applying it to his eyes. He had been blind
ereral years, was known to the whole city, and the
miracle was performed before a prodigious number of
people; and is teſtified alſo by St. Auſtin, (24) who was
then at Milan, in three ſeveral parts of his works, and
by Paulinus in the life of St, Ambroſe. Our ſaint made
vo ſermons on the occaſion of this tranſlation, in which
be ſpeaks of this and other miracles wrought by the holy
rlicks, by which he aſſures us, that many poſſeſſed per-
Ons were delivered, and many ſick healed. St. Auſtin
(25) and Paulinus ſay, that an end was put to the per-
&cution of St. Ambroſe by the diſcovery of theſe relicks
. , The Arians indeed at court pretended, that
Ambroſe had ſuborned men to feign themſelves poſ-
(23) Ep,2. (24) S. Ambr. ep. 22. S. Aug, Conf. I. 9. c. 7.
* 1 and}, 22. de Civ. c. 8. n. 2. alſo Serm. 286. (ol. 39. de div.)
e. d. n. 2. Se
Aug, Conf, 1 > wa Gervaſins and Protaſius June 19. (250 8.
— er, in the dedicatory epiſtle before his Colle4ion of hymns, ob-
es that theſe titles of hymns, A hymn of St. Peter, of St. Paul,
ke. are to be thus - f
underſtood, 4 hymn er /ong of praiſe of God, in
An of. St. Peter „St. Paul, &c. And fo eo t to underſtand a
ter of foe. altar, a maſs of St. Peter, of St. Paul, &c. which aan»
Peaking occurs in 88. Ambroſe, Auſtin, &c.
re
* *
7 -
— — 4
SPINS TT»
©/ v* o_ — ⏑⏑ EE 1
= :
F 32222 *
„ 8. AMBROSE, B. C. Der.
ſeſſed: which calumny he confutes in the ſecond o
theſe ſermons by the notoriety and evidence of the fad
which was ſuch as to put the Arians to ſilence, and in e
oblige the empreſs to let St. Ambroſe remain in peace In
Dr. Middleton revives the ſlanders of the Arians, p Kan
tending theſe miracles to be juggle and impoſture. Bu No
Dr. Cave (26) mentions the miraculous cure of Sever ancres
and the many other miracles wrought by thoſe relick burie
and by the towels and handkerchiefs laid upon the be
dies, as inconteſtable, atteſted by St. Ambroſe in (er
mons preached upon the ſpot — the relicks. Thi
learned Proteſtant critic adds: The truth of which
miracles is abundantly juſtified by St. Ambroſe, St. Aus
tin, and Paulinus, who were all then upqn the place
and indeed they were notoriouſly. evident to the whole
city, and twice the ſubject of St. Ambroſe's ſermon
I make no doubt but God ſuffered theſe to confront the
Arian impieties, and to give the higheſt atteſtation te
the catholic cauſe, fo mightily at this time oppoſed, tn
duced, and perſecuted.” (c) Maximus, who had bee!
then acknowledged emperor both by Valentinian and
Theodoſius in ſolemn treaties, wrote to Valentinian, es-
horring him not to perſecute the catholic church, as 5
zomen and Theodoret teſtify, * All Italy,” faid E 1290
(26) Cave's Life of St. Ambroſe, SeR. 4. p. 400. See Petri fi mad
ricelli hiſtorica Diſſertatio de 88. Gervaſio & Hola in fol. Medo- ther
lani. 1658. | . com
(0 $t. Ambroſe built four churches at Milan, 1, Dedicated WJ ito
70d in honour of the Bleſſed Virgin and all holy Virgins, now d- role
ed St. Simplicianus's. 2. In honour of St. Peter, now called dt. M ſalu
Zzarius 8s. 3. In honour of all the ſaints, now St. Dionyſius s. 4 bro
honovr of all ſaints, commonly called the Ambroſian. It neve! ug fd
the cathedral, but St. Ambroſe was there interred : and bis bw
and thoſe of SS. Gervaſius and Protaſius repoſe there to ths . call
The atchbiſhop Peter Oldradus, in 784, built an adjoining worte cely
ry called St. Ambroſe s. Archbiſhop Arnulph, in 1002, er * fror
the figure of the brazen ſerpent brought from Conſtantinople, * opp
chat which Moſes ſet up in the deſert; but a type of the croſt, t. h
viſual. . See Gretſer, De Cruce, I. 1. c. 41. The fame archbidP nr
placed there a great wooden croſs, in which he put a conßcen of
portion of Chriſt's true croſs. See Petri Puricelli ſcriptio *
Baſilicæ Ambroſianæ. ap. Grævium, T. 4. Theſaur. Scripte
C. 2. p. 49, 472.
Dee. ;
ſecond 0
f the fache
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rians, pr
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inian, ex-
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Dec. J. 8. A M B R 0 | 8 E, B. C. 2135
Africa, Gaul, Aquitain, and Spain; and in ſhorr
Rome, which holds the firſt rank in religion, as well as
*
ig empire, maintain this faith.“
In the year 387. news daily came to Milan of the
an e Maximus was making to invade Italy. Am-
tion is reſtleſs and inſatiable; its burning thirſt is on
increaſed by the greateſt ſucceſſes, till it is at bete!
buried in the pit which itſelf has dug, as Cineas ele-
fun, but unſucceſsfully repreſented io king Pyrrhus.
ximus. thought Britain, Gaul and Spain, which, he
poſſeſſed in peace, and without danger of being moleſt-
ed, as nothing, ſo long as he was not maſter of Italy:
and the aſtoniſhing ſucceſs of his uſurpation made him
only enlarge his views farther, and think more due to
him. Valentinian and his weak mother were in no
condition to oppoſe him, and in this diſtreſs they had
again recourſe to St. Ambroſe, whom they beſought to
ſtand in the gap, and venture on a ſecond embaſly to
ſtop the march of a proſperous uſurper. The good bi-
ſhop burying the memory both of public and private in-
luries, — undertook the journey, and arriving at
Triers, the next day went to court. Maximus refuſed
to admit him to an audience but in public conſiſtory,
though the contrary. was a cuſtomary privilege both of
biſhops and of all imperial ambaſſadors. St. Ambroſe
made a remonſtrance upon this account, but choſe ra-
ther to recede from his dignity, than not execute his
commiſſion, He therefore was introduced into the con-
liſtory, where Maximus was ſeated on a throne, who
ole up to give him a kiſs, according to the cuſtom of
- faluting biſhops and great men in thoſe times. But Am-
broſe ſtood ſtill among the counſellors, though they per-
Juaded him to go near. the throne, and the emperor
called him, Maximus reproached him with, having de-
ceived him in his former embaſly, by preventing him
om entering Italy at a time when nothing could have
oppoſed him. St. Ambroſe ſaid he was come to. Hadi
himſelf, though it was glorious to have ſaved” the life
an orphan prince: but that. he could not have op-
peg the march of his legians, . or ſhut up the Alps with
s body, and that he had not deceived him in any thing:
-
—
n
— — * '
e
. * a
E732
136 S. AMBROSE, B. C. Der. 3
only when Maximus inſiſted that Valentinian ſhould
come to him, he had pleaded that it was not reaſonable
that a child ſhould croſs the Alps in the depth of winter,
He added, that Valentinian had ſent Maximus's bro-
ther, whom he ſaw there preſent, fafe to him, when he
uld have facrificed him to his paſſion, when the news
of the bloody aſſaſſination of his brother Gratian- was
brought to him: but he conquered his reſentment, and
ſcorned to pay like for like, The biſhop reproved
Maximus for the murder of Gratian, and of many great
men whom he had put to death for no other crime than
their fidelity to their natural prince : for which he ad-
moniſhed him to do penance. He alſo intreated him
to give up the body of Gratian to Valentinian, a bro-
ther „ for his own brother whom he had received
alive and unhurt ; the aſhes of an emperor only that he
might not be deprived of the honour of a burial. The
tyrant anſwered, that he would conſider of it; but he
was extremely incenſed at St. Ambroſe, becauſe he con-
ſtantly refuſed to communicate either with the tyrant,
or with any of his biſhops : theſe were the Ithacians,
who deſired the death of the Priſcillianiſt heretics.
When he was inflexible in this point, he was ordered
forthwith to depart. Seeing Hyginus, an aged biſhop,
ſent at the ſame time into baniſhment, he inter
that he might be furniſhed with neceſſary proviſions,
and not ſent without a garment to cover him, or a
to lie on. But St, Ambroſe could not be heard, and was
himſelf thruſt out of doors. He therefore returned to
Milan, and wrote to Valentinian an account of his un-
ſucceſsful embaſly, adviſing him to be cautious how he
treated with Maximus, a concealed enemy, who pte-
tended peace, but intended war. (27) The event ſhev-
ed the truth of this conjecture. For Valentinian (ent
Domninus, a favourite courtier, to ſucceed St. Ambr
in this embaſſy. Maximus entertained him with all the
obliging careſſes and demonſtrations of honour, amu
him with aſſurances, and as an inſtance of his fri
ſhip towards Valentinian, ſent back with him a confi-
&crable part of his army, as he gave out, to aft
(a3) S. Ambr, ep. 24.
b.) s. AMBROSE, B. c. 137
againſt the barbarians who were then falling
Pannonia. But theſe ſoldiers coming to the Alps,
fixed all the narrow — — which was no ſooner
tone, but Maximus followed after with his whole army,
id marched without the leaſt oppoſition into Italy,
vhere he took up his quarters at Aquileia,
The news of this unexpected ſurpriſe carried terror
into every place. Valentinian and his mother in the ut-
moſt conſternation, took ſhip, and fled to Theſſalonica,
whence they ſent to the emperor Theodoſius, to beg his
peedy aſſiſtance before all was loſt, That great prince
tad been employed in quelling the barbarians on differ-
ent ſides, and ſettling the peace of the church and ſtate
In the Eaſt, which had hindered him from revenging
the death of Gratian. Upon receiving the meſſage of
the fugitive young emperor, he left Conſtantinople, and
vent to Theſſalonica, where in the moſt tender and pa-
temal manner he comforted the diſtreſſed remains of the
family of the great Valentinian I. He repreſented to
the y prince that by favouring the Arian impiety,
and ting the catholic church, he had provoked
heaven ; and he effaced out of his mind all the impreſſions
of hereſy ; for it was a fundamental maxim with Theo-
dolius to undertake no enterpriſe without firſt doing
Lery thing by which he might engage God on his ſide.
Theodoſius had ſome time before buried his moſt virtu-
dus wife, the empreſs Flaccilla, who was defcended of
the Elian family (of which was the emperor Adrian),
but was more illuſtrious by her virtues than by her birth.
Prayer and the care of the poor were her chief employ-
ments, She went to viſit them, ſerved them herſelf,
ad was proud of deſcending to the loweſt offices of
chriſtian charity in attending the ſick under the moſt
lathſome diſeaſes. (28) She made no other uſe of the
«tre confidence which her huſband repoſed in her, and
* the influence which her virtue and amiable qualifica-
nons gave her over the mind of that great prince, than
to inſpire him with piety, the moſt ſacred reſpect for the.
Uvine law, and the warmeſt zeal for religion: finding
wuch more pleaſure in ſeeing him holy, than ſeeing him
(28) Theodoret, I. 5. c. 18,
os * *
3 = 8 -- n e
;
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:
1
4
|
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— —_
Ss a —_ -
* — 1 Co
438 38. A M-B: R O JE, B. 3 Decz q
2 with Eunomius, and appealing to the de-
cCiſi
ſius being then a widower, and meeting at Theſſalonica
a pledge of his friendſhip,. married her, and in ſpting in
nica, he cauſed excellent regulations for the diſcipline
and obſerved, inſomuch that no city nor province was
of the Save, near Siſcia, now Peifleg, in Pannonia, and
ſoon after that tyrant's brother Marcellin, upon the
Drave, though their armies were ſuperior in numbers
mus had ſhut himſelf up. His own ſoldiers ſeeing i
impoſſible to eſcape, ſtripped him of his imperial robes
2 at laſt ſuffered him to be beheaded on the 28th of July,
388, after he had reigned almoſt five years.
linicus in Meſopotamia, certain Chriſtians who had beel
de every where put up to God, and ſent to intreat the
moſt eminent ſolitaries in Egypt to lift up their hands to
heaven whilſt he fought. (30) He conſulted in particu-
- reproached him for his perfidiouſneſs with more compar
the roth of October to the latter end of May. At Ca.
maſter of the world. To preſerve him from the ſnareal
ol the Arians, whoſe impiety ſhe deteſted, ſhe engaged
him to chaſe from his palace ſome. who kept a ſecret cor-M
ons of the Nicene council from all captious ſophiſms,
avoided the dangers of ſubtle curioſity. (29) Theodo-fi
the princeſs Galla, ſiſter to Valentinian II. to give him
388, declared war againſt Maximus, and diſmiſſed the
ambaſſador the tyrant had ſent to court his favour, It
was his chief care to procure the bleſſing of God upon
his army. For this he gave orders for ſolemn prayers to
lar St. John, who foretold his victory, and the principal
events of his reign. (31) Setting out from Theſſab-
and moderation of his troops in their march to be made
aggrieved by their paſſage. With incredible valour and
prudence he entirely defeated Maximus upon the banks
his own. Thence he diſpatched Arbogaſtes, general af
the barbarians in his army, into Gaul, to ſeize that
country, and marched himſelf to Aquileia, where Max-
and delivered him into the hands of Theodoſius, wt
jon than anger, and was inclined to ſpare his life; but
Theodoſius proceeded to Milan, where be ſtaid fai
(29) Sozom. 1.7. c. f, 6 (090) S. Arg I. 3. de Gr. 0
(31) Evagr. Vit-Patr. 6. 1
:
—
—— — -
Deco be.. 8. AMBROSE, B. c. #39
ic ſnares i infolted by the Jews in a religious proceſſion, pulled |
engaged down their ſynagogue. Theodoſius, who had been in- F
cret cor-Wl formed of the affair by the count of the Eaſt, ordered 3
the de- the biſhop and other Chriſtians who had demoliſhed the :
optiſins, ſynagogue to rebuild it, and to be rigorouſly puniſhed. N
Theodo - The Oriental biſhops wrote to St. Ambroſe, intreating 5
Nalonica him to obtain a mitigation of this ſentence. St. Am- ;
Ive him broſe ſolicited him firſt by a ſtrong letter, (32) and af- J
ſpring in terward by a diſcourſe which he made him in the church; ,
led the WWF and did not go up to the altar to ſay maſs till he had ;
your, It procured his promiſe of a pardon. (33) The deputies
od upon of the ſenate came to compliment the emperor at Milan,
rayers (0 and petitioned that the altar of Victory, which Maxi-
treat the mus had allowed to be reſtored, might be preſerved in
the ſenate-houſe. Theodoſius ſeemed inclined, upon
motives of ſtate, to grant their requeſt : but St. Am-
; broſe eaſily engaged him to reject it. This emperor,
after having paſſed all the winter and part of the ſpring
at Milan, went to Rome, where in June he received the
honour of a triumph. He made his entrance in a cha-
not drawn by elephants, which the king of Perſia had
lately ſent him: The ſpoils of enemies, and the repre-
ſentations of provinces which he had conquered or de-
livered, were carried before him. The lords of his court
in rich apparel encompaſſed him, and the ſenate, nobi-
lity, and people followed with. extraordinary acclama-
tons. The magnificence of this pomp was incredible,
(34) yet nothing in it ſeemed to be regarded but the
conqueror, for whom it was made, and the greateſt or-
nament of this triumph was the modeſty of him thar
mumphed. Pacatus, the Gauliſh orator, pronounced a
panegy ric before him with the applauſe of the ſenate
and all the orders of the city. Theodoſius made the
young Valentinian ride in his chariot, and ſhare in the
glory of the triumph. During his reſidence at Rome he
walked about without guards, and gained the hearts of
the people by his civility and generoſity. He aboliſhed
the remains of idolatry, prohibited pagan feſtivals and
crifices, and cauſed the temples to be ſtripped of their
5) 8. Amber; ep. 40. (33) Paulin. in vit. S. Ambroſ: (34) See
Claudian Conſul. Honor. Sozom. I. 7. e. 14. Pacatus in Panegyr.
146 8. AMBROSE, B. c. Der. ,
ornaments, and the idols to be broke in pieces. But he
ſer ved thoſe ſtatutes, which had been made by excel-
— artiſts, ordering them to be ſet up in galleries, ot
other public places, as an ornament to the city. Sym-
machus who had entered into a confederacy with Maxi
mus, and pronounced a flattering ſpeech in his honour,
was accuſed of high-treaſon, and fled into a church for
ſanctuary. But Theodoſius would take no notice of
what had paſſed during the reign of the ufurper : and
Symmachus made a panegyric in the ſenate in his ho-
nour, in the cloſe of which he artfully renewed his peti-
tion for the altar of Victory. Theodoftus was offended
at the obſtinacy of ſuch a ſolicitation, and returning him
thanks for his panegyric, reproved him for his aſſurance,
and commanded him to preſent himſelf no more before
him. But he ſoon reſtored him to his favour and dig-
nity. (35) Theodoſius returned to Milan on the iſt of
September, and reſtored the whole Weſtern empire to
Valentinian, in whoſe mind, by repeated inſtructions,
he imprinted fo deeply the catholic faith, that the young
prince put himſelf entirely under the diſcipline of &.
Ambroſe, and honoured him as his father to his death.
His mother Juſtina was dead before the end of the war.
The hereſiarch Jovinian having been condemned by pope
Siricius at Rome, retired to Milan: but was there re-
jected by Theodoſtus, and anathematized by St. Am-
broſe, in a council which he held in 390. |
This council was yet fitting when the news of a
dreadful maſſacre committed at Theſſalonica was brought
to Milan. (36) Botheric, who was general of the forces
in Illy ricum, and reſided at Theſſalonica, cauſed a cha-
rioteer who belonged to the circus to be put in priſon,
for having ſeduced a young ſervant in his family, and
refuſed to releaſe him on a certain feſtival on which bis
appearance in the circus was demanded for the public
diverſion. The people not being able to obtain his li-
berty, grew enraged, and proceeded to ſo violent a ſe-
dition, that ſome officers were ſtoned to death, and their
(35) Socrat. I. 5. c. 14. Symmach. I. 1. ep. 31. Prudent. I. 1.
2 5 503. (36) Theodoret, 1. 5. c. 17. 8. Aug.
de Civ. Dei, I. 5. c. 29. S. Ambr. ep. 15. Paulin. &c.
Der, . 3. AMBROSE, B. c. 147
Bu bodies dragged along the ſtreets, and Botheric himſelf
= was ſlain. Upon this news Theodoſius, who was natu-
Pay nlly haſty, was tranſported with paſſion ; but was miti-
Sym- gated by St. Ambroſe and ſome other biſhops, and pro-
Xi- miſed to the delinquents. Ruffinus, who be-
jonour, came afterward a firebrand in the ſtate, and was maſter
ch for of the offices, and other courtiers and miniſters perſuad-
tice of ed him that the — ag of the people = om to
r: and the hi itch merely by impunity, and muſt be re-
ns ho- dan by an example of — It was therefore
s peti- reſolved that a warrant ſhould be ſent to the commander
ended in lllyricum to let looſe the ſoldiers againſt the city till
g him about ſeven thouſand perſons ſhould be put to death.
rance, This inhuman commiſſion was executed with the utmoſt
before cruelty, whilſt the people were aſſembled in the circus,
I dig- ſoldiers ſurrounding and ruſhing in upon them. The
iſt of ſlaughter continued for three hours, and ſeven thouſand
Ire to men were maſſacred, without diſtinguiſhing the inno-
tions, cent from the guilty. Such was the brutality of the ſol-
roung dirs, that a faithful ſlave, who offered to die for his
of St. maſter, was murdered by them. It is alſo related, that
death. a certain father ſeeing his two ſons ready to be butcher-
> War, ed, by his tears moved the murderers to compaſſion ſo
pope far, that they promiſed to ſpare the life of one of them
e re- whom they left to his choice : but whilſt the diſtracted
Am- ran firſt to one, then to another, not being able
| to abandon either of them, they growing impatient of
of a delays, maſſacred them both. The horror with which
ught tne, news of this tragical ſcene filled the breaſt of St.
orces Ambroſe and his colleagues is not to be expreſſed ; but
cha- our faint ht it beſt to give the emperor a little time-
iſon, to reflect, and enter into himſelf. The emperor was not
and at Milan; but was to return in two or three days.
1 his St. Ambroſe, that he might not ſee him too ſoon, left
ablic the town, and wrote him a very tender ſtrong letter,
8 li- which is extant, exhorting him to penance, and declar-
; ſe⸗ ng that he neither could nor would receive his offering,
their or celebrate the divine myſteries before him, till that
W ligation was ſatisfied ; for how much ſoever he loved
has and reſpected him, he gavę the preference to God: and
he loved his majeſty not to his prejudice, but to his fal-
vation. (37) Soon after the biſhop came to town, and
the emperor, according to his cuſtom, went to church.
But St. Ambroſe went out and met him at the church.
porch, and forbidding him any farther entrance, ſaid:
lt ſeems, fir, that you do not yet rightly apprehend
the enormity of the maſſacre lately committed. Let
not the ſplendor of your purple robes hinder you from
being acquainted with the infirmities of that body which
they cover. You are of the ſame mould with thoſe ſub-
jects which you govern ; and there is one common Lord
and Emperor of the world. With what eyes will you
behold his remple ?. With what feet will you tread his
ſanctuary? How will you lift up to him in prayer thoſe
hands which are till ſtained with blood unjuſtly ſpilt?
Depart, therefore, and attempt not, by a ſecond of-
fence, to aggravate your former crime; but quietly take
the yoke upon you which the Lord has appointed for
you. It is ſharp, but it is medicinal, and conducive to
your health.” The prince offered ſomething by way of
extenuation, and faid'that'David had ſinned. The holy
biſhop replied : © Him om you have followed in ſin-
ning, follow alſo in his repentance.” (4) Theodoſius
ſubmitted, accepted the penance which the church pre-
ſcribed; and retired to his palace, where he paſſed eight
months in mourning, without ever going into the church,
and clad with penitential or mourning weeds. After
this term the feaſt of Chriſtmas being come, he reman-
ed {till ſnut up in his palace, ſhedding many tears.
Ruffinus, the maſter of the offices, and prefect or comp-
toller of his houſhold or palace, who was not baptized
before the year 391, aſked him the reaſon of his grief,
and told him he had only puniſhed criminals, and had
no cauſe to fall into depreſſion of mind; for piety re-
quired not ſo cruel an affliction. Thus this courtier,
after having induced his maſter to commit a crime, at-
tempted by his flatteries to weaken his repentance. But
the emperor redoubling his tears and ſighs, ſaid to him:
(37) 8. Ambr. ep. 51. F
( 4) Sec ulus es errantem ; ſequere fenitentem. Paulin. Vit, Ambr.
winly
Ruffinu
bpon tl
(ering
tim, h
Dec. 93
n, and
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Yehend
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After
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8. AMB RO 8 E, B,-C;- 143 -
Dee, 7
«Riffinus,” thou doſt but make ſport and mock me.
Thou little knoweſt the anguiſh and trouble I feel. I
jeep and bewail my -miſerable condition. The church
God is open to beggars and ſlaves : but the church-
tors, and conſequently © the gates of heaven too, are
ſhut againſt me. For our Lord has peremptorily de-
dared : I hate vrr you ſball bind on earth, ſhall be bound
in braven. * Ruffinus ſaid: If you pleaſe, I will run
6 the biſhop, and will uſe ſo many arguments with
tim, that I will perſuade him to abſolve you.” The
etaperor anſwered”: © Ir will not be in your power to do
. Iknow'the juſtice. of the ſentence he has paſſed, and
be is an inflexible man where the laws of religion are
wncerned, and will' never, out of reſpect to the imperial
dignity, do any thing againſt the law of God.“ He
added, that it was better to finiſh his penance, than
winly demand the favour of an over-haſty abſolution.
Roffinus-infiſted+upon it that he ſhould prevail. Where-
dpon the emperor ſaid: Go quickly then.“ And flat-
tering himſelf with the hopes that Ruffinus had given
lim, he followed him ſoon after. St. Ambroſe no ſoon-
et aw the comptroller coming towards him, but he
truptly broke out, and ſaid: © Ruffinus, you carry,
your aſſurance and boldneſs beyond all bounds. You
Was the adviſer and author of this maſſacre. - How can
you then intercede for another? You. have laid aſide all
ſhame, and neither bluſh nor tremble at the remem-
bratice of ſo great a crime, and an aſſault made upon
the image of God. Ruffmus fell to intreaties, and be-
bught the biſhop with all poſſible earneſtneſs, adding,
fiat the emperor would be there by and by. If fo,”
lad the biſhop, * I tell you plainly, I ſhall forbid him
0 enter the church-porch. And if he think good to
un his power into force and tyranny, here I am, moſt
teady to. undergo any death, and to preſent my throat
o the ſword.” Ruffinus ſeeing the reſolution of the bi-
ſhop, diſpatched a meſſenger to the emperor, to inform
him of what had paſſed, and to adviſe him to ſtay at
The prince received the information in the midſt
* the high-ſtreet ; but ſaid : I will go, and receive
be affront and rebuke which I deſerve,” When he
344 S. AMBROSE, B. C. Dec. y
came to the incloſure of the holy place, he did not pc
into the church; but went to the biſhop, who was fit
ting in the auditory, and beſought him to give him ab
ſolution. St. Ambroſe ſtood up, and ſaid-: What
do you come here to trample upon the holy laws o
Sod?“ „ reſpect them, ſaid the emperor, ] will
not enter the ſacred porch contrary to the rules: but
beſeech you to free me from theſe bonds; and not ſhut
againſt me the door which the Lord hath opened to all
penitents.“ The biſhop ſaid: What penance have
you done, after having been guilty of ſuch a crime?”
« It is your part,” ſaid the emperor, * to inform me
what I ought to do; to preſcribe the remedies, and ap-
ply the 3 and it is mine to ſubmit, and to com-
ply with the preſcriptions.“ (38) St. Ambroſe ordered
him to place himſelf amongſt the public penitents in the
church. Sozomen aſſures us, that the emperor made a
uneral oration, deſcribes how he knelt at the church-
door, and lay long proſtrate in the rank of the penitents,
repeating with David: My ſoul hath cleaved to the pave-
ment : O Lord, reſtore my life, according to thy word. (39)
He remained in this poſture beating his breaſt from time
to time, tearing his hair, and with tears running down
his cheeks, begged pardon of God, lamenting his fin in
the ſight of all the people, who were ſo touched at it, as
to weep along with him, and to pray a long while. St.
Ambroſe enjoined him, before he gave him abſolution,
to draw up a law to cancel all decrees that are made in
| haſte or paſſion, and to command a reſpite of thirty
days before execution of all warrants or ſentence which
regard life, or the forfeiture of eſtates, that it may be
diſcovered if any ſurpriſe or paſſion had any part in 1.
This law the emperor forthwith commanded to be drawn
up, and ſigned it with his own hand, promiſing always
to obſerve it. Such a law in part had been made by
Gratian, eight years before, with which this of Theo-
doſius is now joined in one. (40) Theodoſius, after his
abſolution, paſſed no day to his death on which he did
(38) Theodoret, Hiſt. 1. 5. c. 18. (39) Pf. cviii.
(40) L. 13. Cod. Theed. de pen.
— confeſſion of his ſin: and St. Ambroſe, in his
Dee. 7.
not be
by ſurp
Ambro
The:
religion
at Mil;
others |
feſtival.
remain:
in the
wanted
# the
Dec. y
not pc
Was nt
him an
What
laws o
« ] will
s: but
not ſhut
d to all
ce have
crime?“
form me
and ap-
to com-
ordered
ts in the
made a
„ in his
church-
enitents,
be pave-
1d. (39)
om time
g down
Us fin in
at it, as
ile. St.
ſolution,
made in
f thirty
de which
may be
rt in it.
e drawn
always
nade by
f Theo-
after his
h he did
De. 7.
not bewail afreſh this offence into which he was drawn
by ſurpriſe, and through the inſtigation of others, as St.
Ambroſe remarks.
S. AMBROSE, B. C. 145
Theodoret mentions another example of humility and
xligion which this great emperor ſhewed whilſt he was
a Milan; which ſome moderns placed before, and
athers after his penance. (41) It happened on a great
feſtival, that having brought his offering to the altar, he
remained within the rails of the ſanctuary, that is, with-
n the chancel or choir, St. Ambroſe aſked him, if he
wanted any thing. The emperor faid he ſtaid to affiſt
# the holy myſteries, and to communicate. The bi-
ſhop ſent his archdeacon to him with this meſſage:
* My lord, it is lawful for none but the facred miniſters
tb remain within the ſanctuary. Be pleaſed therefore to
g out, and continue ſtanding with the reſt. The pur-
pe robe makes princes, but not prieſts.” Theodoſius
nſwered, That he ſtaid not with a deſign of doing any
ling againſt the church, or out of any affectation to
fſtinguiſh himſelf from all the reſt : but that he thought
the cuſtom was the ſame at Milan as at Conſtantinople,
where his place was in the ſanctuary ; and after having
tanked the archbiſhop for being ſo kind as to inform
lim of his duty, he went out of the rails, and took his
Pace among the laity. At his return to Conſtantinople,
" the firſt great holyday that he went to the great
church, he went out of the ſanctuary, after he had made
ls offering. The archbiſhop Nectarius ſent to defire
lim to come back, and reſume the place deſigned for
u. The pious emperor anſwered with a ſigh: © Alas!
dard is it for me to learn the difference between the
Piicſthood and the empire! I am encompaſſed with flat-
"01S, and have found but one man that has ſet me
Aan, and told me the truth. I know but one true bi-
p in the world : this is Ambroſe.” From that time
ept without the rails or chancel, a little above the
e n which he was imitated by ſucceeding empe-
roy Theodoſius, after ſtaying almoſt three years in
Weſt, left Valeatinian in peaceable poſſeſſion of that
pre, and would carry home no other recompence of
(41) Theodoret, Hiſt, 1. 5, c. 18. Sorom. I. 7, c. 24.
5 Wn 3 3 :
146 S. AMBROSE, B. C. Dec. 3.
his labours and victories than the glory of having reſtor-
ed that prince, and afforded ſo many nations a diſinter-
eſted protection. In his return into the Eaſt, all the
people came out to meet him with extraordinary joy,
and his reception in every city on the road was a kind
of triumph, eſpecially at Conſtantinople, where he
arrived on the gth of November, 391; and he ap-
peared more glorious by the marks of love which he
received of his ſubjects, than by the victories he had
gained over his enemies.
The young Valentinian followed in every thing the
advice and inſtructions of St. Ambroſe, honouring and
loving him with as much ardour as his mother had for-
merly perſecuted him with fury, Never was prince
more ready to correct his faults. When he was told
that he was too fond of the ſports of the circus, he re-
nounced thoſe. diverſions, except on indiſpenſable occa-
ſions. When ſome ſaid that his paſſion for hunting di-
verted his mind from buſineſs, he preſently ordered all
the wild beaſts he kept in a park to be killed, It was
ſaid by ſome, that he advanced the hour of his meal too
early out of intemperance : he made ule of this advice,
and became ſo abſtemious, that he faſted very often,
and eat but little, even in the magnificent entertain-
ments which he providegafor his courtiers. He eaſed his
ſubjects of many burd d taxes, and never impoſed
any new ones, ſay ing Ve people were already too
much oppreſſed. - Yet Mut Arbogaſtes, general of his
forces, came to an 0 reach with him. This man
was a Frank by birth, had been brought up from his
youth in the Roman army; and was a pagan. By the
great power to which he atrived, he aſſumed ſo much as
to command Valentinian and diſpoſe of all things 4
pleaſure. The emperor at length reſolved no longer ©
brook his imperious behatiour, and bear with his rh
lence. In 392, when they were both together in Gaul,
buly in ſecuring the country againſt the Germans, tht"
miſintelligence was carried to the higheſt pitch. But ®
length a ſeeming peace was concluded. The e
preſſed St. Ambroſe to come to him at Vienne in 22
to be a witneſs to their reconciliation, and he was de
4
Dec, 7
ous to
of his
the he
lay : *
never
whilſt
lace, «
I 5th |
on his
gical
with
Gratia
neral «
of baj
o ren
gates
nius,
learni1
an 1gr
4.
ſettlec
thens,
augur
COurte
1 t
lo
"Fly
Florei
ward
which
lived
citize
to die
broſe
laid h
by hi
*
Euge
io m.
var |
Dec. 7.
reſtor-
ſinter-
all the
ry Joy,
a kind
ere he
he ap-
nch he
he had
ing the
ing and
ad for-
prince
as told
he re-
le occa-
ing di-
ered all
It was
neal too
advice,
7 often,
tertain-
-aſed his
impoſed
ady too
il of his
his man
from his
By the
much as
hings ac
nger 0
his inſo-
n Gaul,
ns, their
But at
emperot
n Gaul,
'as deli
Dec. 7. S. AMBROSE; B. C. 147
ous to be baptized by him, being then in the 2oth year
of his age. In his Penney to ſee him, and receive
the holy ſacrament of regeneration, he uſed often to
ſay : * Shall I be ſo happy as to ſee my father?“ He
never had that happineſs, being ſtrangled by Arbogaſtes
whilſt he was diverting himſelf in the garden of his pa-
lace, on the banks of the Rhone, at Vienne, on the
15th of May, 392. St. Ambroſe, who was advanced
on his journey as far as the Alps, upon hearing this tra-
gieal news, returned to Milan, watefing all his ſteps
vith his tears. Valentinian's corpſe was buried with
Gratian's at Milan, and St. Ambroſe pronounced his fu-
neral oration, in which he largely proves, that his deſire
of baptiſm ſupplied the want of it, and promiſes always
t remember him in his ſacrifices and prayers. Arbo-
gaſtes placed the imperial diadem on the head of Euge-
mus, a rhetorician by profeſſion, a man of parts and
karning, who had long been in his ſervice, and from
a ignoble condition had been raiſed to high undeſerved
honours, This man was a nominal Chriſtian, but un-
kttled in religious principles; for he flattered the hea-
hens, and placed great confidence in divinations and
auguries. They haſtened their march into Italy, and
my St, Ambroſe by very obliging letters : but be-
ore they arrived at Milan, the holy biſhop had retired to
F dene where he aſſiſted at the tranſlation of the re-
5 s of SS. Vitalis and Agricola. Thence he went to
orence, where he conſecrated a church, called after-
py the Ambroſian baſilic, like another at Milan,
: ich was mentioned above. At Florence, St. Ambroſe
yy in the houſe of the moſt conſiderable among the
8 named Decentius, - whoſe infant child happened
4 The mother laid him upon the bed of St. Am-
bv he was abroad. The ſaint being returned
melt upon the child, in imitation of Eliſeus, and
Ky er, reſtored him to life, as Paulinus aſſures
* eodoſius refuſed all terms propoſed to him by
f — * embaſſadors, and raiſed a powerful army
we Saga the traitors, He prepared himſelf for
y laſts, prayers and 1 viſiting of churches;
2 a
148 9 AMB ROS E, B. C. Dec. 5.
(44) and he ſent to implore the prayers of St. John of
Egypt. That holy hermit who had formerly foretold
him the defeat of Maximus, ſent him an affurance that
this enterpriſe againſt Eugenius' would be more difficult
than the former againſt Maximus had been, yet that he
ſhould obtain a complete victory, but ſhould die ſhortly
after. (45) Theodoſius, before he ſet out, among many
actions of heroic and public charity, juſtice, devotion
and piety, by a reſcript inſerted: in the Roman law par-
doned all injuries in word or action that had ever been
committed againſt · his perſon. © For,” faid he, “if it
be by indiſcreet levity that any one has ſpoken againſt
us, we ought not to regard it: if it is by folly, we
ought to pity him; if by ill-will, we are very willing
to pardon him.“ (46)
His army was aſſembled under Timaſius, who com-
manded the Roman legions, Stilico, a Vandal prince
who had married Serena, the emperor's niece; Gainas,
general of the Goths, &c. Theodoſius joined them in
Thrace, marched through Pannonia and Illyricum, and
forced: the paſſes of the Alps which Arbogaſtes had fo
fenced and guarded as to look upon them as not only
impregnable, but even inacceſſible. Yet Arbogaſtes was
not diſmayed, and drew up his army in battalia in the
ſpacious plains of Aquileia at the foot of the Alps. In
the firſt engagement Arbogaſtes gained the day: and in
a ſecond the army of Theodoſius was upon the point of
being broken and diſperſed, when by a fervent prayer
he conjured God to defend the cauſe of his own divine
honour: (47) Soon aſter there aroſe from the Alps an
impetuous wind which put the ſquadrons of the enemy
into ſtrange diſorder, drove back their darts and arrovs,
and beat clouds of duſt upon their faces which deprived
many of the uſe of their fight, and almoſt of their re-
ſpiration, (48) which gave Theodoſius a complete vie-
tory. Theodoret (49) tells us, that the prince before
(44) Sozom. |. 7. c. 22. (45) Evagr. Vit. Patr. c. 1. Theo-
doret, Hiſt. 1. 5. c. 24. (46) Leg. 1. Siquis maledic. imper. Cod.
Theodoſ. (47) Rufin. I. 2, c. 33. (48) Claudian, in Pang
Conſul. Honor. Oroſ. 1. 7. c. 35. St. Aug. C 26: de Civ. Dei. Ru-
fa, Socr. Sozom. Theodoret. (49) Theodor. |, 5. c. 24.
my de
Alexa,
genius
tage «
him o
Jec. 5.
hn of
retold
de that
fficult
hat he
hortly
many
votlon
par-
been
& if it
1gainſt
ly, we
willing
com-
prince
Jainas,
hem in
n, and
had ſo
t only
tes was
in 2
n
gu in
oint of
prayer
divine
Alps an
enemy
arrows,
eprived
heir tre-
ete vice
before
S. AMBROSE, B. c. 149
Dec. 7+
this ſecond battle, ſhut himſelf up one night in a church
to pray, and falling aſleep ſaw in a viſion two men in
white on white horſes, who promiſed him that they
would aſſiſt him. The one was St. Philip the apoſtle,
the other St. John the Evangeliſt. Evagrius and his
companions taking leave of St. John in Thebais, that
holy man giving them his bleſſing ſaid: Go in peace,
my dear children, and know that they hear this day in
Alexandria that Theodoſius has defeated the tyrant Eu-
genius. But this prince will not long enjoy the advan-
tage of his victory, and God will ere long withdraw
hum out of this world.” (30) Eugenius who was ſeated
en a hill near the field of battle, was taken and brought
to Theodohus who reproached him with his crimes and
credulity in the promiſes of heatheniſh diviners, and
commanded him to be beheaded on the 6th of Septem-
ber, in 394. Arbogaſtes aſter wandering two days in
mountains 'became his own executioner, thruſting
two (words one after another through his body. (e)
Theodoſius pardoned all the reſt of their party: and ne-
ver was any prince more moderate in his victory.
knew how to pardon, ſcarce how to; puniſh; and he
emed to forget that he had enemies as ſoon as he had
overcome, Being informed that the children of Euge*
mus and Flavian (general of his Roman forces) had tak -
en lanCtuary in the churches of Aquileia, he ſent a tri-
dune with an order to ſave their lives. He took care to
e them educated in the chriſtian religion, left poſ-
kilons for them, and uſed them as if they had been of
s own family; As this victory was rather God's than
is 0Wn, his firſt care was that a ſolemn thankſgiving
ud be rendered to him throughout his whole empire.
© wrote particularly to St. Ambroſe on that ſubject.
This holy archbiſhop had returned to Milan as ſoon as
ugenius was departed thence. And upon receiving his
enter with the news of his victory, he offered the holy
(50) Evagr. I. 1. c. 1. Pallad. in Lauſiac. c. 4.
1 SA Claudian, though a pagan, thus addreſſes Theodoſius on this
0 nimium dilefe Deo, cui militat ætber,
Et fortunati veniunt ad claſſica venti.
He
«
150 s. AMBROSE, BC. Dec. 5.
ſacrifice in thankſgiving, and ſent one of his deacons to
him wich letters, in which, after having expreſſed his
Joy for the proſperity of his arms, he repreſented to
him, that he ought to give God the whole glory there-
of, that piety had contributed more to it than valour,
and that his victory was incomplete unleſs he pardoned
thoſe who were involved in the misfortune rather than
in the crimes of the tyrant, to which mercy he ſtrongly
exhorted him. (51) This he beſought in particular in
favour of thoſe who had taken refuge in the churches;
which the faint doubted not of obtaining from a prince
in whoſe behalf God had wrought prodigies, as he had
formerly done in favour of Moſes, Joſue, Samuel and
David. (52) A little while after St. Ambroſe went to A-
quileia to wait upon the emperor. Their interview was
full of joy and tenderneſs. The archbiſhop proſtrated
himſelf before this prince, whom piety and the viſible pro-
tection of God had rendered more venerable than his vic-
tories and crowns, and prayed that God would beſtow on
him all the bleſſings of heaven as he had loaded him with
all the proſperity of the earth. The emperor on his ſide
caſt himſelf at the feet of the archbiſhop imputing to
his prayers the favours which he had received from God,
and intreating him to pray for his ſalvation as he had
done for his ſucceſs. Then they entertained themſelves
about the means of reſtoring religion.
Theodoſius ſoon followed St. Ambroſe to Milan, who
was gone the day before: but the prince refrained ſome
time from the holy communion, becauſe he had been
ſtained with blood, though ſhed: in a juſt and neceſlary
war. (/) In the mean time he ſtudied by compunction
to purify his foul, and was aſſaulted by a mortal drop),
which the fatigues of his expedition and the ſeverity of
winter had brought on him. He ſent for his children
to Milan, and would receive them in the church on the
day on which he received the communion the firft time
after his wars. He gave his two ſons excellent inſtruc-
tions how to govern well, then turning to St, Ambroſe
(51) St. Ambr. ep. 61. (52) Ep. 62.
This was preſcribed in ſome penitential canons. See St. Bal
to St. Amphil. c. 13. Num. c. 31. St. Ambroſe in ſun, Theodeb
Dec. 7
he (aid
me, al
part tt
ſtruct,
whom
he hop
heart
He gra
pardor
by wh
Ggniti
tons 0
the ad
buted
more
who f
the fail
his gre
vants
to his
broſe,
n the
Dee. 7. S. AMBROSE, B. c. 151
Dec. 5.
cons to be aid: Theſe are the truths which you have taught
ſſed his ne, and which 1 myſelf have experienced. It is your
ated to WM part to make them deſcend in my family, and to in-
7 there- tract, according to your cuſtom, theſe young emperors
valour, whom | leave to you. The archbiſhop anſwered, That
irdoned de hoped God would give to the children a tcachable
er than beart and caſy temper, which he had given the father.
d He granted and confirmed by law, a general amneſty and
-ular in pardon to all rebels who were returned to their duty,
urches; MW by which they were re-eſtabliſhed' in their eftates and
z prince WM denites. He diſcharged the people of the augmenta-
he had tions of tribute, defiring that his ſubjects might enjoy
uel and the advantage of a victory to which they had contri- 18
it to A- WM buted by their prayers and labours. Nothing could be ws
ew Was more pathetic than his laſt exhortations to thoſe ſenators (-
oſtrated who ſtill remained idolaters, that they would embrace 3:
ble pro- the faith of Chriſt, in which,he declared it to have been , 2
his vic- bis greateſt deſire to make all his ſubjects faithful ſer- .
ſtow on MI vents of Jeſus Chriſt. (53) He gave much of his time 5
im with bo his devotions, and to pions converſation with St. Am- 7
his ſide broſe, in whoſe arms he expired on the 1th of January,
uting to n the year 295, of his age the fiftieth. St. Ambroſe
m God, preached his funeral ſermon on the fortieth day after his
; he had beach, and his body was conveyed: to Conſtantinople,
-mſelves ad every where received with honours which rather re-
| kmbled triumphs than funeral ſolemnities. |
in, who In the year 295 St. Ambroſe diſcovered the bodies of
ed ſome holy martyrs Nazarius and Celſus, in a garden near
d been WY Mlan and tranſlated them into the baſilic of the apoſtles
eceſlary near the Roman gate. Their blood was gathered up
unction "th plaſter and linen; and this was diſtributed to
droply, ers as a precious relick (54) A perſon poſſeſſed with
erity of i devil was delivered by St. Ambroſe at theſe relicks,
children ore which the devil tormented him till the faint bad him
1 on the he is peace. One who had counterfeited grants for
ſt time ne office of a tribune the faint delivered to ſatan; and
inſtruc- den before the biſhop had done ſpeaking, the unclean
\mbrole Ant ſeized on him, and began to tear him: © At
(53) Orof. 1. 9. c. 36. («$4) Paulin. in vit. Ambrof. n. 32.
e St. Bail — Aug. ep. 1 — 7, alias Wo. "i Paulin. Natal, & St.
heodol ent. Serm. 17. p. 90. Bibl. Patr. Ennod. Carm. 18.
152 S. AMB RO 8. E, B. C. Dec. 5. Dec. 7
which,” faith the ſecretary Paulinus, we were all de loy
much terrified.” He adds: * We, ſaw in thoſe days tan hi
many diſpoſſeſſed at his command, and by the laying on l the
of his hands.” He alſo mentions ſick perſons who were MW titent:
cured by his prayers. The reputation of St. Ambroſe end o
reached the moſt diſtant countries, and drew to Milan fincere
two Perſians of the greateſt authority and wiſdom in 0 fir
that nation, who came thither furniſhed with many WM cbedie
queſtions to make trial of his wiſdom. They dig be rec
courſed with him by the help of an interpreter for a W nunio
whole day, and departed full of admiration. A little {MW for th
before our ſaint's death, Fritigil, queen of the Marco- Wl tears,
manni, having heard of the fame of his ſanctity from a would
certain Chriſtian that came from Italy, was moved by or thr
it to believe in Jeſus Chriſt, and ſent ambaſſadors to him ceeds
with preſents for the church of Milan, intreating St. him re
Ambroſe to inſtruct her by writing in what ſhe was to worth:
believe. He ſent her an excellent letter in form of a himſel
catechiſm, which is now loſt. The queen having fe- ki th
ceived it, perſuaded the king to ſubmit himſelf and WI fake t
his people to the Romans, and went herſelf to Milan: are fa
but to her great affliction, did not find St. Ambroſe ſome }
alive, Te 114 #304 | face
Our holy biſhop made the adminiſtration of the ſa- cheeks
crament of penance a chief part of his paſtoral care. ſelves
Paulinus writes thus of him: “ Whenever any perſon contin
confeſſed: their fins to him, in order to receive penance, pale a.
he ſhed ſuch an abundance of tears as to make the pe- very i
nitent alſo to weep. The fins which were confeſſed to (werin
him he never diſcloſed to any one, only interceded with
God.“ (56) In bis writings; he explains in a great detail
all the parts and duties of penance. Speaking of the
obligation of confeſſing fins he ſays ; It thou wilt be
juſtified, confeſs thy, crime. For an humble confeſſion
looſens the bonds of fins.” (57). And again: Why
are you aſhamed to do this in the church, where it ought
only to be an object of ſhame not to confeſs our faults
ſeeing we are all ſinners; where he is moſt commends
ble who is moſt humble, and he 1s the moſt juſt who 1s
(56) Paulin, n. 39. (57)'St, Ambr. L 2. de penit. c, 6 5. %
/
Dec, 7. Dec. 7. 8. A M B R O 8 E, B. C. 153
ere all e loweſt in his own eyes.” (38) Againſt the Nova-
e days WM tian hereſy St. Ambroſe wrote his two books Of Penance.
ing on i the firſt he ſhews that abſolution is to be given to pe-
o were Wl nitents for all fins however grievous. But towards the
mbroſe end obſerves that their penitence muſt be condign and
Milan WM fincere. ** If any one,” ſays he, © be guilty of /ecrer
dom in Wl (7) fins,” and does penance. for them very heartily, in
many WM obedience to the commands of Jeſus Chriſt, how ſhall
ey dib he receive the reward, unleſs he be reſtored to the com-
r for a munion of the church? I would have the guilty hope
A little bor the pardon of his fins; yet he ſhould beg it with
Marco- WI tears, ſighs, and the lamentations of all the people. I
from a WI vould have him pray for abſolution; and when it is twice
ved by WI © thrice delayed, let him believe that this delay pro-
to him WI ceeds from the want of importunity in his prayers. Let
ing St. bim c<double his weeping, let him render himſelf, more
was to WI vonthy of pity ; and then let him return, let him throw
m of a himſelf at the feet of the faithful, let him embrace them,
ving ie⸗ kiſs them, bathe them with his tears; and let him not for-
ſelf and WW fake them, that fo our Lord may fay to him, Many fins
Milan: e forgiven him becauſe he loved much. I have known
Imbroſe lome perſons who in their penance have disfigured their
face with much weeping, who have hollowed their
the ſa- WW checks with continual tears, who have proftrated them-
ral care, ſelves on the ground to be trod under foot, who by their
y perſon continual faſting have rendered their countenances fo
periance, dale and disfigured that they carried in a living body the
the pe- very image of death.” In the ſecond book, after an-
feſſed io bering ſome objections of the Novatians, he ſhews that
ded with penance is falſe and fruitleſs without a total change of
at detail and manners, in which its very eſſence conſiſts.
g of the WF © There are others,” ſays he, © who may be immedi-
"_ be ately reſtored. to communion, © Theſe do not ſo much
oNLENION
(lire to be looſed, as to bind the prieſt j for they do
5 Why not unburden their own conſcience, but burden that of
it ought prieſt, who is commanded not to give holy things
ur bom 0 dogs; that is, not eaſily "to admit impure fouls to
men l
EY (58) Ib. c. 10. n. 91, 9 2. |
105 ) Siquis occulta Babens crimina. Daille will have it to be read
— multa habens criming. But his correction is condemned by the
ly of all manuſeript copies.
i who is
c. 6. 1 40
/
r IEP -
154 S. AMBROSE, B. C. Dec. 7. Ne. 7.
communion... . I have found more perſons who have MW ©, 4+
preſerved the innocence of their baptiſm, than who or,
have done penance as they ſhould do after they have ¶ fent of
loſt it... They muſt renounce the world, and allow WW |
leſs time for ſleep than nature requires: they muſt break uud
their ſleep with groaning and ſighing, and employ part WW 3%
of that time in prayers; they muſt live in ſuch a man- Ad his
ner as to be dead to the uſe of this life: let ſuch men un ſub
deny themſelves, ' and change themſelves wholly,” &c, os
St. Ambroſe exhorts the faithful to very frequent com- A
munion, becauſe the holy euchariſt is our ſpiritual bread I ute
and daily nouriſhment, not a poiſon. In his book On ft
the Myfteries, compoſed in 387, he inſtructs the new —
baptized, expounding the ceremonies of baptiſm and e
confirmation, and the ſacrament of the holy euchariſt, a. oy
which he does in the cleareſt terms. (%) That this book % L.
| | 1 ance to
| : x | T tory of t
I The fame doctrine, and ſome of the ſame expreſſions occur in
* fix books On the Sacraments, which are aſcribed to St, Ambroſe * (
by the writers of the ninth century, and in MSS. of the eighth a ach an
tury. The author was a biſhop, lived where the number of adult * com
catechumens was very great, and remains of idolatry ſtill ſubſiſted, * is :
But the work is an imitation of St. Ambroſe's on the myſteries, 1 N * L
at large, written in a low flat ſtyle., If theſe books ſhould _ 2 . 25 2
Ambroſe's as the Benedictin editors of his works doubt, and - ic .
and Rivet (p 397.) think moſt probable, the cauſe of the church 18 _ e
ſo much the 2 by having two vouchers inſtead x one. — he fo.
the remarks of the Benedictin editors. (T. 3. p. 341. ny te 5 15
ancient liturgy and eccleſiaſtical office of the church of Milan E The g
the Ambroſian rite, certainly received a new luſtre from our — ; "a
care, but is proved from his writipgs to have been older as to — ny
accidental differences from the Roman ; whether St, * 0 0 Ar
probably St. Marocles was the firſt author. See Le Brun — been M.
Cerem. de la meſſe. (T. 2. Dill. 3. p. 175.) and — 9s 8 Ni. the fir,
della Chieſa Milaneſe, e del Rito della Steſſa. Opera 1* a 1 ale
colo Sormanni, Oblato e Prefecto della Bibl. Ambroſ. in Milan 975 ; wy
"The ſermons attributed to St. Ambroſe in former ex L. cs dine l.
by the BenediQtins into the Appendix, with the treatiſe 1 ng the
Virgin, and two prayers before maſs, though ſome — > þ Mary
of theſe Which begins, Summe Sacerdes, &c. differs _—_ ber Ber —_
ſtyle but it may be the * of our 2 On the Te Deum, roſe in
tis life of St. Auſtin, alſo run, &c. "_" other
The commentaries af St. Ambroſe on the ſcripture 2 of the o
ſermons which he preached to his people. His Hexacm luces from op, an
the work of fix days or the Creation, is copied in ſome p vho had
' N-
St. Baſil. His book On Parade, or, On the Fall of | Adam, ae
Dec. 7,
o have
n who
ey have
d allow
t break
oy part
a man-
ch men
y.“ &c.
t com-
il bread
zok On
he new
{im and
chariſt,
occur in
Ambroſe
hth cen-
of adult
ſubſiſted.
ies, more
zot be St.
d Ceillier
church 13
one.
n.) The
an called
ur faint's
to many
s or more
;xplic.
\poſtolica
wtrore Ni-
no. 1755+
re throw
F devout
think one
| much in
, ſee ber
originally
aces from
is a con-
Unvatios
dee. 7. S. AMBROSE, B. C. 155
On the Myſteries, is the undoubted work of
cor, is manifeſt not only from the nr —
{nt of authors, but alſo from the firſt part of this book
tation of the 60 work. His books On Cai |
| k in and Ab
＋ and the Ark, On Iſaac, and On the Soul, (in which he >
From: of the Divine Word with the ſoul, and that of Chriſt
x — 3 by an application of the ſacred book of Canticles to
br . — an expoſition of thoſe parts of ſcripture, and
5 — * . _ the * of thoſe patriarchs
els | ue. In is treatiſe On the A
4 he ſhews the happineſs of dying, becauſe — — A
tenible in itſelf, and is a deliverance from ſnares and ſin; for t le
- 75 ſin without — is worſe than to die at Pak *
—— eloſes it by a Jathetic invitation of ſouls to —— The
R — r oe "gy pr gap with ſolid inftruQions —
„the danger of its ch | 5
2 nature prone to evil, In the two books On Jaal, ad 0. .-
malay = gives —_—_ ——— on docility and perlkyer⸗
ew bapti riſtians, with an expoſition if.
tory of that patriarch, It is foltowed b Es GAs
- 1 the book 0
by = 2 of the _ 3 .
4 ing. conſiſts of ſermons preached bef nd. i
and commends Faſtin and the vi 2 Ag, eg ir
1 8 = e virtue of temperance. That On Ma-
| avarice from that i
as irt of Achab' 4
1 That On Toby is compoſed out of ec — — we
virtues of that holy man. The four,books On the —
la , » .
un or Complaints of Job and David, are a ſtrong deſcription of
ld miſeries, dangers, and ſn is li
No , C { ares of this life; for even a
he for ents r a Ter ſnare, by which ſouls fall — —
1 + s of God. The Apology of David juſtifies the hono
* y ing, inaſmuch as his repentance expiated his ws
8 aich ves a deyout and elegant expoſition of the Miſerere
ares A (he n in which the king
4 1ainder of his life. His com ri
wo N pſalms abound in excellent maxims of ——
the bet nn is his maſterpiece. His commentary On Sz. Luke —
* 2 written among the Latins on that oſpel. Several
= A up Les of morality and piety, are interſperſed in this work,
dine 8 expreſſes his tender and ardent love te —
ag the —— ut a great part of this book is taken up in ſhew-
fry ny and concordance of the evangeliſts in the —
be treatiſe To a Virgi | |
RG Fac a Virgin that was fallen, is attribu
5 * 1 and though the ſtyle differs — by bi x
ef the oldefl ce pes not ſufficient alone to diſprove the —
dap. — pies that are extant. At leaſt the author wa by
ancient. The virgin was a young lady of —
ho had
pronounced her vous publicly before the people, taken the
veil,
156 S. AMBROSE, B. C. Dec.
itſelf. After having explained the ancient types of the
euchariſt, as the ſacrifice of Melchiſedech, the manna
and the water flowing out of the rock, he adds: You
will ſay perhaps I ſee ſomething elſe: how can I be
ſure that I receive the body of Chriſt? Prove that it is
not what hath been formed by nature, but what the be-
nediction hath conſecrated, and that the benediction is
more powerful than nature, becauſe it changes even na-
ture itſelf.“ He urges the example of the rod of Moſes
changed into a ſerpent; and ſeveral other miracles; and
laſtly the incarnation, which myſtery he compares to
that of the euchariſt. A virgin,” ſays; he, brought
forth. This is contrary to the order of nature, The
body which we confeerate, came forth of a virgin:
Why do you ſeek for the order of nature in the body of
Jeſus Chriſt, ſince Jeſus Chriſt was born of a virgn
againſt the order of nature. Jeſus Chriſt had real fleſh
veil, and entered a monaſtery, Yet three years after fell into fin
with a man, and had a child: was convicted before the biſhop, and
put under public penance. The author of this treatiſe repreſents to
her the wild of her crime, exhorts her to do penance in con-
tinual ſorrow and grief all the reſt of her life, that at leaſt ſhe might
avoid the puniſhment of hell, and tells her that ſhe ought not to
expect abſolution in this life; ſo as ever to be releaſed from the ſeve-
rity of her penance before her death. This expreſſion may be lolt-
ened by a mild interpretation, though ſome have thought it fayout
of Novatianiſm, and conſequently that the author cannot be this fi
ther: it was perhaps ſome other prelate of rhe ſame name. 3
St. Ambroſe in the rules which he lays down for oratory, requites t
chaſte, ſimple, clear ſtyle, full of weight and gravity, without 7
ther affecting elegance, or deſpiſing the ſmoothneſs, and graces ©
language. Yet he fell into the faſhionable deſects of his time, 40d
gave his diſcourſe ſuch ornaments as were then in vogue. But 1
withſtanding puns and quibbles which he ſometimes uſes, he wrt
with uncommon force, and with an affecting tenderneſs. For an —
ſtance of the firſt, Fenelon appeals to his letter of Theodoſius;
of the latter, to what he writes on the death of his brother day.
The books which he took pains about are very ſmart, ingenious,
adorned with flowers and figures: in the reſt his ſtyle is always 1
ble; ſhort, ſententious and full of ſtrokes of wit: it always has 4
certain "ſweetneſs and ſmoothnefs. His letters to the emperors, *
ſome others are maſterpieces, and ſhew how' well he was e
with the world and buſineſs, and had a free air and eaſy way 185
verſing with all ranks; and managing all affairs. See the Ben
monks of- St. Vanne, Critiques de M. Dupin, T. 3.
Dec. 7.
which
chre,
fleſh,
1] a”
It is o
wy
ing the
conſecr
himſelf
make t
change
ſlant re
teries (
broſe ir
which £
Ambro
clergy,
ſaint hit
ver be
account
Nas one
bim, Or
faults p
He fort
traffic,
Patrimo
(bo) I
that the
n 286,
Which, |
of mora
Ms, (7)
(59) $,
© 36. n.
(i) The
eil precept
gently as t
fee, and 1
a been «
idrea Ly
= Cicero!
Dec:y,
; of the
manna
© You
n | be
at it i
the be-
Mon is
ven na-
f Moſes
es; and
pares to
brought
> The
virgin:
body of
a virgin
eal fleſh
| into fin
ſhop, and
preſents to
e in con-
ſhe might
rt not 10
| the ſew
av be ſoſt⸗
tit favours
be this fo
requires : |
ithout er
aces 0
| . and
But not
he wrote
For an in.
oſius;
1er Saryſus
enious,
always 00
vays has 4
rors, 4
acquainted
vay in cor
> Bened1Qil
bee. ). S. AM BROS E, B. C. 157
which was faſtened to the croſs, and laid in the ſepul-
chre. So the euchariſt is the true ſacrament of this
leſn. Chriſt himſelf aſſures us of it. This is, ſays he,
i body. Before the benediction of theſe heavenly words
it is of another nature, after the conſecration it is the
If man's benediction has been capable of chang-
ing the nature of things, what ſhall we ſay of the divine
conſecration, wherein the very words of our Saviour
himſelf operate? The word of Jeſus Chriſt, which could
make that out of nothing which was not, can it not
change that which is into what it was not?“ &c.- The
ant recommends to the new-believers to keep the myſ-
teries ſecret, St. Auſtin who was baptized by St. Am-
broſe in 387, muſt have been preſent at theſe diſcourſes:
which St. Ambroſe then made to the Neophytes, St.
Ambroſe was particularly careful in the choice of his
clergy. This appears from ſeveral inſtances which the
ſaint himſelf relates. One of his friends he would ne-
er be prevailed. upon to admit among the clergy, on
acount of ſome levity in his carriage. Another who
vas one of the clergy, he forbad ever to walk before
him, on a like account : for he was perſuaded that ſuch
ſaults proceed from an irregularity of the mind. (59)
He forbids the clergy to intermeddle with buſineſs or
trafic, wiſhing them to 'be contented with their ſmall
patrimony, or if they have none, with their ſalaries.
(bo) In order to regulate the manners of the clergy
nat they might be the light of the world, he compoſed,
11 three books On 7he Offices of the Miniſters; in
N — rr he often deſcends to general precepts
- — ity adapted to Chriſtians of all denominati-
*
(59) St. A
e 35 1 "> I. 1. Off. c. 18. n. 72.
(60) Ib, I. 1.
9 2 Roman orator wrote a famous book of offices, or practi-
rently * ri morality, which two Roman emperors read ſo dili-
"rk able to repeat it by heart. It is, nevertheleſs, imper-
- fas a d have been more uſeful if the method in ſome parts
— ee To remedy this laſt inconvenience, the marquis
vn Cc 81 de Sylva, in his elegant and prolix Italian commentary
3 Offices, dedicated to Don Philip of Spain, duke of Par-
ma,
158 S. AMBROSE, B. co. Dec. „ba. 7.
One of St. Ambroſe's laſt actions was the ordination M tut da
of St. Honoratus, biſhop of Vercelli. A few days be- could |
fore he fell ſick, he foretold his death, but ſaid, he ſhouldlMl if St.
live till Eaſter, Before he took his bed he continued 25th v.
his uſual ſtudies, and expounded the 43d pſalm. Whilt WM nut |
he dictated this expoſition, Paulinus, who was his ama-W that w/
nuenſis, looking up ſaw a flame in the form of a {mall ff witing
ſhield covering his head, and by degrees creeping into WM dained
his mouth: upon which his face became white as ſnow, lf kept hi
though ſoon after it returned to its uſual complexion. the gu:
« Vas fo affrighted thereat,” ſays Paulinus, * that emed
remained without motion, and could not write what he Wl fad pul
dictated till the viſion was over. He was then repeating ſtructio
a paſſage of ſcripture which I well remember: and on WW man
| te kne
ma, printed at Vicenza in 1756, has reduced the principles of mo- ſhop, h
rality laid down in this book into a clearer order, But the author Mrevail
was unacquainted with the duties of oye genes humility, mortifice -4 ki
tion, penance, and others, and even of the regulation of the affec- ent,
tions, and the end of our actions. Ariſtotle's Ethics ſeem the mot him to
complete ſyſtem of morals that ever came from the pen of an heathen, Wi ſake of
and the four cardinal virtues are explained by him in a clear and behave
beautiful order, Vet he is utterly a ſtranger to the moſt heroic mo- 4
ral virtues: and ſpoils the Teſt by allowing a mixture of vanity n
pride and ſelf· love in the compoſition of every virtue. His deſcrip good m
tion of the magnanimous or perfectly virtuous man is the portrait vere fo
of the moſt intolerable refined pride. (Ethic, I. 7. c. 7, 8. Lee cred hi
Francis II. duke of Rochefoucault's Maxims, and M. I Esprit, Fauſſett way
des virtues humaines.) Indeed ſo much is man's reaſon blinded by iſh
his paſſions, that the ſyſtems of morality laid down by all the greatet 0p.
heathen philoſophers are diſgraced by many ſhocking impieties 2 TIE |
abſurdities. (See biſhop Cumberland on the Law of Nature.) 4 priſed t
the beſt human virtues which are barely human (or deſtitute of * broſe w
ciples of revealed religion) are moſtly ſo intereſted that ſelf-lore Cuil
feems the ſpring of all the actions and affections which they Foe Th 0
pure virtue is very rare, and only found where it is built on = pu Ibis he
rinciples of ſelf-denial and the crucifixion of inordinate * ing wit
his gives a great advantage to this work of St. Ambroſe _ : Cant dis
of heathen philoſophers, though he often confines his 22 | pred h
moral or philoſophical conſiderations. However, the —— — or fe
vers how great an advantage morality derives from the g 780 i ' eve
lation. Thus he ſhews (b. 3. ch. 1.) that the maxim 9 * mough
* That he was never more buſy nor leſs alone than when wy * Honor 0
himſelf,” was more excellently verified in Moſes, Elias. - 2 gone in
the apoſtles, who not only knew how to converſe with on » pak
but alſo were always with God, and employed in heaven h e
tion, which is the juſt man's delight.
Dec. 1,
lination
lays be-
e ſhould
ntinued
Whilſt
1s ama-
a {mall
ng into
1s ſnow,
plexion.
„that!
what he
epeating
and on
es of mo-
he author
mortifica-
the affec-
1 the moſt
n heathen,
clear and
heroic mo-
of vanity,
lis deſcrip
rtraituie
7,8. 8
it, Fauſſete
blinded by
at ſell- ore
y produce:
n the oſpel
e ſel dove.
above thole
liſcourſe 10
thor —
"i reve*
a ＋ Scip!0,
\ he was Of
Eliſeus and
themſelvth
enly medii
bee. j. S. AMBROSE, B. C. 159
tat day he left off both writing and reading, fo that he
could not finiſh the pfalm.” We have this expoſition
o St. Ambroſe upon the 43d pſalm, which ends at the
25th verſe, and nothing is ſaid upon the two laſt. He
muſt have been already ſick; for Paulinus aſſures us,
that when he was well, he never ſpared the pains of
witing his books with his own hand. After having or-
dined a biſhop of Pavia, he was taken fo ill that he
kept his bed a long time. Upon this news count Stilico
the guardian and prime miniſter of Honorius, who go-
verned the Weſtern empire, was much troubled, and
ad publicly, The day that this great man dies, de-
ſtruction hangs over Italy.“ And therefore ſending for
many of the nobility and magiſtrates of the city as
te knew had the greateſt intereſt and ſway with the bi-
ſhop, he perſuaded them to go to him, and by all means
prevail with him to beg of God a longer life, They
vent, and ſtanding about his bed with tears, intreated
him to intercede with heaven for his own life for the
lake of others: to whom he anſwered : © I have not ſo
behaved myſelf among you that I ſhould be aſhamed to
le longer: nor am 1 afraid to die, becauſe we have a
good maſter,” He lay in a gallery, at the end whereof
vere four deacons diſcourſing together who might ſuc-
ed him, They ſpoke ſo low that they could hardly
bear each other. Yet when they named Simplician, the
719 though at a diſtance, cried out three times:
NE is old, but good.” At which they were fo ſur-
piled that they haſtened out of the place. As St. Am-
ſe was praying in the fame place, he beheld Jeſus
iſt coming towards him with a ſmiling countenance.
This he told Baſſianus, biſhop of Lodi, who was pray-
85 with him, and from him Paulinus learned it. The
ant died a few days after. The day on which he ex-
pred he lay with his hands extended in form of a croſs
1 ſereral hours, moving his lips in conſtant prayer,
wough it could not be underſtood what he ſaid. St.
Woratus biſhop of Vercelli was there, and being
62 into an upper chamber to take a little reſt, heard
voice crying three times to him: © Ariſe, and make
"ar; tor he is going to depart.” He went down, and
160 S. AMBROSE, B. C.
ooner ſwallowed, but he gave up the ghoſt. (61) St.
Ambroſe died about midnight before Holy Saturday,
the 4th of April, in 397; he was about fifty- ſeven
years old, and had been biſhop twenty-two years and
four months. (62)
the Latin church. ( His feaſt is kept on the th of
December, the day on which he was ordained biſhop :
and he is honoured on the ſame, not only in the Weſtern
calendars, but alſo in thoſe of the Oriental church. The
body of St. Ambroſe repoſes in a vault under the high
altar in the Ambroſian baſilic at Milan: it was firſt in-
terred near the relicks of SS. Gervaſius and Protaſius.
God was pleafed to honour him by manifeſting that
through. his interceſſion he protected the ſtate againſt
the idolaters. Radagaiſus, a king of the Goths, a pa-
gan, threatened the deſttuction of chriſtianity, and the
ruin of the Roman empire, which he invaded with an
army, it is ſaid, of 200,000, others ſay, 400,000 men,
about the year 405. He had vowed to ſacrifice all the
Romans to his gods; and he ſeems to have been the
laſt inſtrument which the devil raiſed to attempt to fe-
eſtabliſh idolatry 'in the empire. The pagans among
the Romans ſeemed: diſpoſed: to rebel, and openly im-
puted theſe calamities to the eſtabliſhment of chriſtiani-
ty. But the Romans, commanded: by Srilico, obtained
a a complete victory, without any loſs of men, and Re-
dagaiſus was taken priſoner, with his two ſons, and put
to death. Tillemont gives the following relation. (54)
% Radagaiſus beſieged Florence. This city was reduced
to the utmoſt ſtreights, when St. Ambroſe, who had once
retired thither, (and who had now been dead nine years)
appeared to a perſon of the houſe where he had lodged,
and promiſed him that the city ſhould be delivered
from the enemy on the next day. The man told it to
(63) Till
(61) Paulin. n. 47. (62) See Pagi ad an. 397-
mont Hiſt, des emp. T. 5. p. 540,
(k) Theſe four doctors are St, Jerom, St. Ambroſe, St. Avgultiae,
and St. Gregory the Great,
Dec. 7.
gave him the Body of our Lord, which the faint had no
The common ſuffrage of all anti-
qui:y has ranked him among the four great doctors of
teratic
and a1
charit
ſeyerit
whilſt
moſt t
Intery;
world
Chriſt
Vo
Dec 6 7.
had no
1) St.
turday,
- ſeven
Is and
anti-
tors of
7th of
Diſhop :
Veſtern
h. The
he high
irſt in-
-otaſius,
ng that
againſt
S, à pa-
and the
vith an
0 men,
> all the
>en the
t to fe-
among
nly im-
riſtiani-
zbtained
ind Ra-
and put
pn. (69)
reduced
1ad once
le years)
lodged,
Jelivered
Id it to
63) Tie
Apgulline,
Dec. 7. S. AMBROSE, B. e. 161
the inhabitants, who took courage and reſumed the
hopes which they had quite loſt : and on the next day
came Stilico with his army. Paulinus who relates this,
learned it from a lady who lived' at Florence.” And
this proves what St. Paulinus, the biſhop of Nola, ſays:
That God granted the preſervation of the Romans to
the — St. Peter, St. Paul, and the other martyrs
and confeſſors who were honoured by the church through-
out the empire.” Though the forces of the emperor
Honorius were too weak to oppoſe this torrent, at their
approach Radagaiſus was ſtruck with a ſudden panic,
and fled, and his ſcattered troops were taken, and fold
like droves of cattle.
St. Ambroſe joined together in the conduct of his life
a wonderful generoſity and inflexibility, where the divine
law was concerned, with all poſſible prudence and mo-
eration; yet in all his actions tempered the boldneſs '
and authority of a biſhop with an air of ſweetneſs and
charity. By this he gained all hearts, and his inflexible
ſeverity in points of duty appeared amiable. and mild,
whilſt every one ſaw that it proceeded wholly from the
moſt tender charity, St. Auſtin tells us, that in his firſt
Interview, when he was a ſtranger to St. Ambroſe, and
enſlaved to the world and his paſſions, he was won by
him, becauſe he ſaw in him a good eye, and a kind coun-
(nance, the index of his benevolent heart. I ſaw a
man affectionate and kind to me,” ſays he. When a
friend ſhews, by his words and behaviour, that -he has
lncerely and only our intereſt at heart, this opens all the
Wenues of our mind, and ſtrengthens and enforces his
admonitions, fo that they never fail to make deep im-
Prellions. They who ſpeak affectionately, and from
their hearts, ſpeak powerfully to the hearts of others,
This is the property of true charity, the moſt eſſential
Qualification of a miniſter of Chriſt, who is dead to the
vorld and himſelf, and ſeeks no intereſt but that. of
iſt and his neighbour in the ſalvation of ſouls,
Vol., XII. NM
*
162 8. FAR A, v. A. Dee. .
On THE SAME DA x.
St. Fara, V. Abbeſs. Agneric, one of the princi-
pal officers of the court of Theodebert II. king of Au-
ſtraſia, had by his wife Leodegonda four children; St,
Cagnoald, who took the monaſtic habit under St. Co-
lumban at Luxeu, about the year 594; St. Faro, who
became biſhop of Meaux ; St. Fara, (a) and Agnetrudis,
In 610, St. Columban being baniſhed from Luxeu, in
his flight lodged at the houſe of Agneric, called Pipi-
miſium, two leagues from Meaux, the preſent Aupigay,
according to Mabillon, or Champigny, according to
Du-Pleſſis. St. Cagnoald, who accompanied this abbot
in his exile into Switzerland, probably introduced him
to his father, and St. Columban gave his blefling to all
the family; and when he came to Fara, conſecrated
her to God in a particular manner. Jonas ſays ſhe was
then in her infancy ; Baillet ſuppoſes her then fifteen;
Du-Pleſlis only ten. When ſhe had attained the age
of puberty, her father propoſed to her an honourable
match, 'The holy virgin did every thing that lay in her
power to prevent it, and fell into'a lingering licknels,
which brought her life in danger. St. Euſtaſius, St. Co-
lumban's ſueceſſor, when that holy man went to Bobio
in Italy, made a journey thither, by order of Clotaire ll.
in order to perſuade him to return, taking with him St.
Cagnoald, who had returned to. Luxeu when St. Co-
lumban left Switzerland. St. Euſtaſius, after he came
back, repaired to the court of Clotaire II. to give him
() St. Faro, in ancient writings, is called Burgundofaro, and d.
Fara Burgundofara. Baillet (28 OR. in S. Faro) pretends that the
were ſo called becauſe Burgundie farones, or lords of the kingdom
of Burgundy ; for this critic pretends, that Brie was part of the pro-
vince ot the Senones, which belonged to the dominions of Cann
king of Orleans and Burgundy, though it had formerly been pat
the kingdom of Auſtraſia. See F. Daniel, Hiſt. I. 1. p 140, but
Du- Pleſſis ſhews that Meaux belonged not to Gontran, but to _
debert II. kiog of Auſtraſia : and that Fara ſignifying lineage, the
names implied that the perſons were of Burgundian extraction n
Jonas, in the life of St. Fata, teſtifies to have been the interpret
tion of this name. See Mabillon, AR. Ben. p. 617. Kuinart
in Chron. Fredegarii, p. 624. Du Pleſſis, Hiſt. de Meaus. Not. l.
p. 632. T. 1.
bleme
churc
with
ſolute
To lo
the pi
pineſs
concil
ſhop |
happe
mous
alter
comp
for th
from
ſuppo
budg
and (|
now c
(b)
the ſe
have |
naſter
of the
Brie, |
Dec, 7 4
princi-
of Au-
en; St,
St. Co-
ro, who
1etrudis,
xeu, in
d Pipi-
upigny,
ding to
18 abbot
ed him
g to all
ſecrated
ſhe was
fifteen;
the age
10urable
y in her
licknels,
St. Cos
nterprets*
art, Not.
Not. Il.
Dec. 7. S. F AR A, V. A. 163
an account of his embaſly, and in his way lodged at
Agneric's. Fara diſcovered to him her earneſt deſire of
conſecrating her ay e to her heavenly ſpouſe. The
holy man told her father that God had viſited her with
a dangerous illneſs which threatened certain death,
only becauſe he oppoſed her pious inclinations, and af-
ter praying ſome time proſtrate on the ground, he aroſe,
and made the ſign of the croſs upon her eyes: where-
upon ſhe was forthwith reſtored to her health. The
faint recommended her to her mother, that ſhe might
be prepared to receive the veil at the time he ſhould
come back from court. No ſooner was he gone out of
doors but Agneric began again to perſecute his daughter,
in order to extort her content to marry the young no-
bleman to whom he had promited her. Fara fled io the
church, and when ſhe was told that unleſs ſhe complied
with her father's defire ſhe would be murdered, ſhe re-
folutely anſwered : ** Do you think I am afraid of death?
To loſe my life for the take. of virtue, and fidelity to
the promiſe I have made to God, would be a great hap-
pines,” St. Euſtaſius ſpeedily returned, and eaſily re-
conciled her father to her, and engaged Gondoald, bi-
ſhop of Meaux, to give her the religious veil, This
happened in the year 014. The foundation of the fa-
mous monaſtery of Faremoutier is dated a year or two
ater this, Agneric having given his pious daughter a
competent portion of land, and raiſed a building proper
for this purpote. The abbey was originally called Brige,
from the Celtic word which ſignifies a bridge: Du-Pletlis
ſuppoſes that there was then, as there is at preſent, a
1dge over the river at the confluence of the Aubetin
and the Great Morin. Heuce the neighbouring foreſt,
now called the Foreſt of Faremoutier, - took that name.
(b) The Latin name Eboriacas or Evoriacas, which in
the ſeventh age was given to this monaſtery, ſeems to
ve been derived from the Celtic; aud from this mo-
naſtery and foreſt a diſtrict of the country on the ſouth
of the Marne took the ſame name, and is now called
ne. (1) This monaſtery was founded double, and St.
(1) See Du Pleſſis, n. 17. p. 639.
(6) Saltus Briegius, Bede, &c.
M 2
| *
164 8. F A R A, V. A. Dec. .
Euſtaſius ſent thither from Luxeu St. Cagnoald, who in
620, was made biſhop of Laon, and St. Walbert, who
being born of an illuſtrious family in Ponthieu, and
having ſerved ſome time in the army, had retired to
Luxen. He afterward ſucceeded St. Euſtaſius in that
abbacy in 625. Jonas was alſo a monk at Faremontier,
ſoon after the foundation of that houſe, and an eye-wit-
neſs to the eminent virtues of the holy perſons who in-
habited it, and of which he has left us an edifying ac-
count, | |
St. Fara, though very young, was appointed abbeſs
of the nunnery, and aſſiſted with the counſels of St. Cag-
noald and St. Walbert, ſettled there the rule of St. Co-
lumban in its greateſt feverity. We find that the uſe
of wine was there forbid, and alſo that of milk, at leaſt
in Lent and Avent, and the religious made three confeſ-
ſions a day, as is mentioned in the life of St. Fara that
is, thrice every day they made a ſtrict examination of
their conſciences, and made a confeſſion or manifeſtation
of what paſſed in their ſouls to their ſuperior. This
practice of rigorous ſelf-examination and confeſſion or
manifeſtation is moſt ſtrenuouſly recommended and or-
dered in all the ancient rules of. a monaſtic life, (2) 8
a moſt important and uſeful means of attaining puny
of heart, a perfect government of the affections, an ha-
bitual chriſtian watchfulneſs, and true perfection. Un-
der the direction of guides perfectly diſengaged from
all earthly things, and enlightened in the paths of vit.
tue, many heroic ſouls at the ſame time filled this mo-
naſtery and all France with the odour of their fanctity.
Among theſe ſeveral are honoured in the calendars of
the faints, as St. Siſetrudis, St. Gibitrudis, St. Hercat-
trudis, (3) and others. From the life of St. Gibitrudis
it appears, that in this monaſtery it was cuſtomary i
ſay a trental of maſſes for every one that died in the
houſe during thirty days after their deceaſe. St. Fa
was the directreſs of ſo many ſaints, and walked at their
head in the perfect obſervance of all the rules which ſie
preſcribed to others. Her younger brother St. Faro V®
(2) Reg. S. Bened. c. 7. Pœnitent. 8. Columbani, P. 98.
(3) See Mabill. Act. Ben. p. 439, 441, 442.
Dec. 5
ſo mo
came
which
he ha
the cl
the er
buriec
found;
and h
Fara,
greſte
rule o
Roma
St. Ar
terwal
St, Fa
attem
which
Clovis
which
in 64.
reache
croſſec
Dec. 3.
who in
t, who
u, and
Ired to
in that
outer,
VE-WIt-
yho in-
ing ac-
abbeſs
t. Cag ·
St. Co-
the uſe
at leaſt
confel-
lercan-
itrudis
ary 10
he
Fara
it thelf
ch ſhe
ro Was
Dec. 7. e 165
o moved by her heavenly diſcourſes one day when he
came to pay her a viſit, that he reſigned the great offices
which he held at court, perſuaded a young lady ro whom
he had promiſed marriage to become a nun, and took
the clerical tonſure, In 626, he ſucceeded Gondoald in
the epiſcopal chair of Meaux, died in 672, and was
buried in the monaſtery of the Holy Croſs, which he
founded, and which bears his name. His protection
and holy counſels were a ſupport and comfort to St.
Fara, under the aſſaults which ſhe had to ſuſtain. A-
greſtes, a turbulent monk, pretending to correct the
rule of St. Columban in ſeyeral points, drew over St.
Romaric, founder - of the abbey of Remiremont, and
St. Amatus, firſt abbot of that houſe; though they at-
terward diſcovered the ſnare, and repented of their fault.
St, Fara was upon her guard, and conſtantly oppoſed alt
attempts to undermine the ſeverity of the holy rule
which ſhe had profeſſed. Ega, mayor of the palace of
Clovis II, raiſed a troubleſome perſecution againſt her,
which ſhe bore with patience and conſtancy to his death
in 641. On the other ſide, the reputation of her virtue
reached the remoteſt parts. Several Engliſh princeſſes
croſſed the ſeas, to ſacrifice at the foot of the altars the
pomp and riches which waited for them on thrones.
The glittering ſplendor of the purple and courts ap-
peared in their eyes an empty ſeducing phantom: they
trampled it under their feet, and preferred the humility
ck a cloiſter to worldly greatneſs.
Sedrido, the firſt of theſe princeſſes, was daughter of
Hereſwith, whoſe father Hereric was brother to St. Ed-
win, the glorious king of the Northumbers. St. Hereſ-
vith had her by a fuſt huſband, whoſe name has not
reached us. Her ſecond huſband was Annas, king of
the Eaſt-Angles, with whoſe conſent ſhe renounced the
world, and died a nun at Chelles. Her daughter Sedrido
Palled into France in 644 or 646, about two years after
Annas, her father-in law had aſcended the throne, and
embracing the humble ſtate of a crucified life at Fare-
moutier, ſerved God with joy in ſackcloth and aſhes, in
ne Heroic practice of all chriſtian virtues. Though a
anger, ſhe was choſen to ſucceed St. Fara, and go-
166 8. F A R A, V. A. | Dec, 7.
verned this flouriſhing colony of ſaints from 655, till her
happy death. Her mother Hereſwith, her ſiſter Edel-
burge (daughter of Hereſwith and king Annas) and her
niece Erkengota, daughter of her ſiſter Sexburga and of
Ercombert king of Kent, paſſed at the ſame time into
France, hoping in this exile more perfectly to forget and
be. forgotten by the world, which they renounced. St.
Edelburge, called by the French St. Aubierge, is called
by Bede, (4) the natural daughter of Annas: whence
many have inferred that ſhe was illegitimate. But the
word natural child ſeems never to have been anciently
taken in that ſenſe, but in oppoſition to an adoptive
child. (g) It is at leaſt viſible that Bede here uſes it to
diſtinguiſh her birth from that of Sedrido, who was only
ſtep daughter to Annas. (6) St. Edelburge was choſen
third abbeſs of Faremoutier, upon the death of Sedrido,
and is honoured among the ſaints in the dioceſs of Meaux
on the th of July. An ancient chapel in her honour,
which ſtands not far from the abbey, was rebuilt in 1914.
A ſpring which is near it is eſteemed an holy well ; and
many drink at it out of devotion. It was beautified and
adorned at the expence of certain Engliſh gentlemen
who reſided in that country in 1918. St. Erkengota,
called by the French Artongate, died a private nun at
Faremoutier, and is honoured with an office in the dio-
ceſs of Meaux on the 2 3d of February. ()) Some he-
nedictin writers add to theſe St. Hildelide, a nun at Fare-
moutier, who was alſo an Engliſh princeſs; and was the
aſſiſtant of St. Edelburge in the foundation of the great
nunnery of Barking, The primitive ſpirit of the relig-
ous ſtate which was eſtabliſhed by theſe glorious ſaints
was long maintained in this monaſtery of Faremoutiei.
(c) St. Fara, after having been purified by a painful
(4) Bede, 1. 3. c. 8. (5) Sueton. in Tib. c. 524 See Rob. die
phen. Theſ. ling. Latin. V. Naturalis. (6) Du Pleſſis, note 3+
5 699. T. 1. (7) Bede, I. 3. c. 8. Brev. Meldenſ. Menolog:
Bened. .
(c) At what time the abbey of Faremoutier exchanged the rule of
8. Columban for that of St. Bennet, has been the ſubje& of wan! "
bates between le Cointe and the BenegiQtins, The lateſt epoch b.
Dec. 7
linger!
etetna
pril, 2
part o
princij
tions |
miſtak
monaſ
terwar
It has
canon
licks «
numb
terceſſ
Dat
dent,
neralit
her le
at Far
and b.
naſter
Dec. 7. S. F A R A, V. A. 167
Dec. 7.
» till her lngering ſickneſs, and made worthy of the crown of
er Edel- etecnal glory, was called to receive it on the 3d of A-
and her pril, about the year 655. (5) By her laſt will the gave
a and of part of her eſtates to her brothers and ſiſter, but the
principal part to her monaſtery ; and in theſe latter men-
me into
get and tions her lands at Champeaux. (9g) It therefore ſeems a
ed. St. miſtake in ſome critics that ſhe founded there ano: her
s called monaſtery. A conventual priory ſeems to have been at-
whence terward erected there by the monaſtery of Faremoutier.
But the It has been ſince converted into a collegiate church of
nciently canons, and is ſituated in the dioceſs of Paris. The re-
zdoptive licks of St, Fara were enſhrined in 695, and a great
es it to number of miracles has been wrought through her in-
vas only terceſſion. ;
; choſen Dame Charlote le Bret, daughter to the firſt preſi-
Sedrido, ſdent, and treaſurer-general of the finances in the ge-
' Meaux neralitè or diſtrict of Paris, who was born in 1595, loſt
honour, her left-eye at ſeven years of age, was received a nun
n 1914; at Faremoutier in 1609, and in 1617, loſt her right-eye,
Il; and and became quite blind. She went twice out of her mo-
ned and naſtery to conſult the moſt famous oculiſts at Paris, who
ntlemen
engota, (8) See Mabillon Act. 88. Bened. T. 2. p. 449. & Annal. Bened,
T. p 43 Du Pl
1, 4. Du Pleflis, note 19. p. 642. (9) See her lait
nun at Will and Teſtament publiſhed by Touffaints Du - Pleſſis, Hiſt. de
the dio- 'Eylife de Meaux. Pieces Juſtificatives, T. 2. p. i.
me he- |
at Fare- * be fixed is about the time of Charlemagne. Within half a
oo eague from Faremoutier is fituated the abbey of La Celle, which
dame was formerly given to hermit» ges, and ſmall monaſteries. 'This
je great Was taiſed upon the cell of St. Blandin, an hermit, born of poor pa-
> religi- rents, who died there on the 1ſt of May, about the tenth century,
ſaints council at Meaux, about the year 1082, ordered all ſmall com-
noutier 2 which did not maintain above ten monks to be ſubjected ei-
WF N 7 to Marmoutier or Cluni. Thus La Celle became ſubject to the
pail ww In 1633, the monks of Marmoutier yielded it to F. Francis
Nay. pun and the Engliſh Benedictia monks, upon condition that
Roh. Ste* e Clauſtral prior, after his election, be inſtituted to his office by,
note 34 = is community be ſubje& to, the viſitation of the grand prior
Menolog: Pg of Marmoutier. (See the deed of this convention in Du-
. 0 I. 2. n. 40. p. 343. apd his account of this tranſaction,
- ae of pin b. 117. J. 2. n. 38.) The Englith BenediQins were aliens in
5 x * till naturalized by Lewis XIV. in 1650, by letters patent,
ch were renewed in 1674, and again by Lewi N i i
74, again by Lewis AV. in 1723. (ib.
och that
cin d. 734. Th 2. P · 443.
168 | S. FAR A, V. A. New, 5
unanimouſly agreed that an eſſential part of the organ
of her eyes was deſtroyed, and her fight irrecoverably
loſt: and to remove the pain which ſhe frequently felt,
they by remedies extinguiſhed all feeling in the eye-
balls and adjacent nerves, inſomuch that ſhe could not
feel the application of vinegar, ſalt, or the ſtrongeſt aro-
matic; and if. ever ſhe wept, ſhe only perceived it by
feeling the tears trickle down her cheeks. Four years
after this, in 1622, the relicks of St. Fara being taken
out of the ſhrine, ſhe kiſſed one of the bones, and then
applied it to both her eyes. She immediately felt a pain
in them, though they had been four years and a half
without ſenſation, and the lids had been immoveably
cloſed : and ſhe had ſcarce removed the relicks from her
eyes, but an humour diſtilled from them. She cried
out, begging that the relicks might be applied. a ſecond
and a third time: which being done, at the third touch
ſhe cried out, that ſhe ſaw. In that inſtant her ſight
was perfectly reſtored to her, and ſhe diſtinguiſhed al
the objects about her. Then proſtrate on the ground
ſhe gave thanks to the author of her recovery, and the
whole aſſembly joined their voices in glorifying God. (10)
The certificates and affidavits of the ſurgeons and phyſi
cians who had treated her, and the affidavits of the eye-
witneſſes of the fact were juridically taken by the biſhop
of Meaux (John de Vieupont) who by a judicial ſentence
given on the gth of December, 1622, declared, that the
cure of the ſaid blindneſs was the miraculous work
God. The abbeſs Frances de la Chaſtre, and the com-
munity of nuns, ſigned and publiſhed a certificate '
the like purport: in which they alſo mention the miſt
culous cures of two other nuns, the one of a palſy, tie
other of a rheumatiſm. (11) Other miracles perform
through her interceſſion are recorded by Carcat (12) 9
Du- Pleſſis, who appeal to memoirs of the abbey, draW"
up in an authentic manner, &c. The name of St. Fan
is exceedingly honoured in France, Sicily, Italy, &
Sce the life of St. Burgundofara aſcribed to Bede, but
(10) Du-Pleſlig, - þ WW WO p. 433, 434. (11) Ib. Pieces
Juftif. T. 2. p. 320, — (12) Auguſt. Carcat, Vie de S. fu
p. 238, &c., YN
Dec. 8.
really th
en at ne
he wrol
his (ucc
Euſtaſiꝭ
Hiſt, d
. .
The .
do;
nation
the goc
myſter
praiſe ]
of all «
lives,
Virgin
of tha
that n
world,
the me
was it
firſt e
eterna
dered
raiſe þ
vener
to be:
diſtin:
lation
in wh
hon
Ing]
thy 4
her,
in tt
Dec. ).
Ie organ
overably
atly felt,
the eye-
uld not
geſt aro-
ed it by
ur years
g taken
ind then
lt a pain
| a half
zoveably
from her
he cried
a ſecond
rd touch
her ſight
ſhed all
ound
od th
od. (10)
d phyſi-
the eye
e biſhop
ſentence
that the
work of
he com-
icate 10
1e mira-
ilſy, the
rformed
12) and
„ drawn
St. Fara
| , &c.
5 but
Ib. Pieces
c 8. F Ale,
Dec. 8. Conception of the B. V. MARY. 169
rally the work of Jonas, of whom ſome account 1s giv-
en at note (c) under the life of St. Columban, 21 Nov.
he wrote at Faremoutier the lives of St. Columban and
tis ſucceſſors, St. Attalus and Bertulfus - at Bobio, St.
Euſtaſius at Luxeu, and St. Fara. See alſo Du-Pleſſis,
* de I'Egliſe de Meaux. T. 1. I. 1. n. 21, &c.
1 Þ. .
"DECEMBER VII.
The Conception of the Bleſſed Virgin MARY.
80 great are the advantages we reap from the incar-
nation of the Son of God, and ſo incomprehenſible is
the goodneſs which he hath diſplayed in this wonderful
myſtery, that to contemplate it, and to thank and
praiſe him for the ſame, ought to be the primary object
of all our devotions, and the employment of our whole
lives, In the feaſt of the Conception of the immaculate
Virgin Mother of God we celebrate the joyful dawning
of that bright day of mercy, the firſt appearance which
that moſt glorious of all pure creatures made in the
world, with thoſe firſt ſeeds of grace which produced
the moſt admirable fruit in her ſoul. Her conception
Was itſelf a glorious myſtery, a great grace, and the
ſt effect of her predeſtination. Her Divine Son, the
eternal God, in the firſt moment of her being, conſi-
(ered the ſublime dignity to which he had decreed to
raiſe her, and remembered that auguſt, dear, ſacred, and
venerable name of his mother, which ſhe was one day,
to bear: and he beheld her with a complacency, and
diſtinguiſhed her in a manner, ſuitable to ſo near a re-
ation ſhe was to bear. He called her not his ſervant
in whom he gloried, as he did Iſrael, (1) but his mother,
hom for the ſake of his own glory he decreed exceed-
ingly to exalt in grace and glory. From that inſtant
the eternal Word of God, which was to take fleth of
*r, looked upon it as particularly incumbent on him,
in the view of his future incarnation, to ſanctiſy this
(1) Lai. zlix. z.
170 Conception of the B. V. MARY. Dec, g
virgin, to enrich her with his choiceſt gifts, and to hear
upon her the moſt ſingular favours, with a profuſoo
worthy his omnipotence. She could ſay with muc
greater reaſon than Ifaiah : (2) The Lord hath called m
from the womb : from the bowels of my mother be hai
been mindful of my name. From that very moment hey the
prepared her to be his moſt holy tabernacle. When{Wfrengthe
Almighty God commanded a temple to be built to hisMvith the
honour in Jeruſalem, what preparations did he not or-W fiffered
dain? What purity did he not require in the things but fron
that belonged to that work, even in the perſons ad reaſon, |
materials that were employed in it? David, though a WM vith fre
great ſaint, was excepted againſt by God, becaule he ¶ fettion i
had been ftained with, blood ſpilt in juſt wars. Again, Wi ginal in
what purifications, conſecrations, rites and ceremonies t is an
did he not order to ſanctify all the parts of the building! WF that ſhe
This for a material temple, in which the ark was to be Wi ſhe was
placed, and men were to offer their homages and facri- WW vorld ir
fices to his adorable Majeſty. What then did he not do n more
for Mary in ſpiritually decking her, whoſe chaſte womb Wi kinclific
was to be his living tabernacle, from whoſe pure fleſn the r
he was to derive his own moſt holy body, and of whom Wil general!
he would himſelf be born! So tender a mercy was this c of f
great work to him, that the church, in her moſt earncit Wi cilate.,
Nec. 8.
pmvilege
daily tall
through +
the ſecre!
But Mar
daily ſupplications, conjures him, as by a moſt endear- WW wiverl
ing motive, that he will be pleaſed to hear her praye!s in favo
and enrich her children with his ſpecial graces, by Is verely
effuſion and liberality towards her, when he moſt wen- pute ©
derfully prepared and fitted both her body and foul, that rank it
ſhe might be made a worthy dwelling for himſelf. Or to ©
The firſt condition in the ſpiritual embelliſhing of 1 IS need
foul is perfect purity, or cleanneſs from whatever can be ture ul
a blot or ſtain in her. A ſkilful ftatuary is careful, in which
the firſt place, that there be no irregularity or deformity who d.
in the piece which he is going to carve, And if a houle all ſuc
is to be put in order and adorned, to receive ſome guel Yours |
of great diſtinction, the firſt thing is to remove all filth, monie
and whatever is offenſive, Almighty God therefore w decree
pleaſed to preſerve this holy Virgin from contracting al ot mo
ſtain of fin, whether original or actual. Without tie WL
Tety1
(2) Iſa. xlix. 1.
Dee. 9
d to hea j
profuſio
th mug
called m
* be bath
ment he
When
It to his
not or-
e things
ons and
hough a
caule he
Again,
"emonies
uilding|
2s to be
d facri-
e not do
e womb
ure fleſh
f whom
was this
t earneſt
endear-
prayers,
by his
ft wcon-
ul, that
g Of 4
5 be
eful, in
formity
a houle
— gueſt
all filth,
ore was
ing any
©. the
dee. 8.
Conception of the B. V. MARY. 171
wiege of an extraordinary grace, the greateſt ſaints
ily tall into venial fins of ſurpriſe and inadvertence,
through a neglect of an univerſal watchfulneſs over all
the ſecret motions of their hearts in the courſe of action.
But Mary was diſtinguiſhed by this rare privilege, and
by the ſuccour of. an extraordinary grace, was fo
frengthened, that her interior beauty was never ſullied
vith the leaſt ſpot, and charity or the divine love never
affered the leaſt remiſſion or abatement in her foul ;
but from the moment in which ſhe attained the uſe of
reaſon, increaſed, and ſhe continually preſſed forward
vith freſh ardour toward the attainment of higher per-
ſection in virtue and holineſs. Her exemption from ori-
nal ſin was yet a more extraordinary privilege of grace.
| is an undoubted truth, in which all divines are agreed,
that ſhe was ſanctified and freed from original fin before
ſhe was born, and that ſhe was brought forth into this
world in a-ſtate of perfect ſanctity. Some have thought
n more conſonant to the ſacred oracles that ſhe was thus
andlified only after her conception, and after the union
ck the rational ſoul with the body. But it is the moſt
generally recefved belief, though not defined as an arti-
cle of faith, that in her very conception ſhe was imma-
culate, Many prelates, and a great number of catholic
unverſities, (3) have declared themſelves in ſtrong terms
in favour of this doctrine; and ſeveral popes have ſe-
rerely forbidden any one to impugn the ſame, or to diſ-
pute or write againſt it. Nevertheleſs, it is forbid to
rank it among articles of faith defined by the church,
or to cenſure thoſe who privately hold the contrary. It
is needleſs here to produce the paſſages of holy ſcrip-
re uſually alleged by theologians, and other proofs by
Which this aſſertion is confirmed. It is ſufficient for us,
who defire, as dutiful ſons of the church, to follow, in
all ſuch points, her direction, that ſhe manifeſtly fa-
Yours this opinion, which is founded in the clear teſti.
mones of the moſt illuſtrious among the fathers, in the
decrees of ſeveral particular councils, and the ſuffrages
ot moſt learned and eminent maſters of the theological
* theit ſuffra f
678 ges enumerated by F. Francis Davenport, called
" retgion F. Fr. of St. Clare: and by Fraſſen, T. 8. p. 186.
172 Conception of the B. V. MARY, Dec. 8,
ſchools. (a) The very reſpect which we owe to the
Mother of God, and the honour which is due to her di.
vine Son, incline us to believe this privilege moſt ſuit.
(a) The queſtion concerning the. Immaculate conception of the
Bleſſed Virgin Mary had been agitated with great warmth in the
univerſity of Paris, when both the univerſity and biſhop, in 1387,
condemned certain propoſitions of John de Monteſano, a Dominican,
in which. this privilege was denied. The council of Baſil, in 1439,
(Sell. 36.) declared the belief of her. Immaculate conception to be
conformable to the doctrine and devotion of the church, to the ca-
tholic faith, right reaſon, and the holy ſcriptures, and to be held by
all catholics. But this council was at that time a ſchiſmatical aſſem-
bly, nor could its decree be of force. It was, nevertheleſs, receiv-
ed by a provincial council held at Avignon in 1457, and by the uni:
verſity of Paris, When ſome gave ſcandal by warmly conteſting the
Immaculate Conception, this tamous univerſity paſſed a decree 1n
1497, in which it was enaQted, that no one ſhould be admitted in i
to the degree of doctor of divinity, who did not bind himſelf by
oath to defend this point. (See Spondan, Contin. Baron. ad an. 1497,
Bulzus, Hiſt. Univerſit. Paris, T. s. p. 815. Fleury, cont. T. 24
p. 330. Fraſſen, T:8. p. 227.) The council of Trent dech ted,
in the decree concerning original fin, that it was not its intention to
include in it the immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and et-
dered the decree of Sixtus IV. relating to this point to be obſerved,
That pope, in 1476, granted certain indulgences to thoſe who aſfilt-
ed at the office and maſs on the feaſt of her Conception ; and in
1483, by another conſtitution, forbad any one to cenſure this felt-
val, or to condemn the opinion which aſſerted the Virgin Mary's im.
maculate Conception. St. Pius V. by his bull in 1570, forbad either
the opinion which affirmed, or that which denied it, to be cenſured
Paul V. in 1616, reiterated the ſame prohibition, and in 1617 for
bad any one to affirm in ſermons, theſes, or other like public ac,
that the Bleſſed Virgin Mary was conceived in original fin. Gregor
XV. in 1622, forbad any one to affitm this even in private diſputs-
tions, except thoſe to whom the holy ſee gives a ſpecial licence 1000
it, which he granted to the Dominicans, provided they do it private”
ly and only among themſelves: but he ordered, that in the offce 0
maſs of this feſtival no other title than ſimply that of the Concep!i00
ſhould be uſed, Alexander VII. in 1671, declared that the devotion
of honon ing the immaculate Conception of the Bleſſed Virgin 1
is pious; yet prohibits the cenſuring thoſe who do not beyeve he
Conception immaculate. Philip III. of Spain demanded of Pau *
"and Philip IV. of Gregory XV. a definition of this queſtos, 8
could obtain nothing mote than the foregoing bulls. See * rj
ding, (the learned Iriſh Franciſcan, who lived ſome time in. Py
and died at Rome in 1655,) De legatione Philippi III. et .
ad Paulum V. et Greg, XV, pro definiendâ Controverſia de co ö
. e * . . tail
tione Virginis. In the lateſt edition of the Roman index, 1
Dec. 8.
able to |:
moment
defiled p
that ſhe
anCtity.
advantay
predeſtit
ſhe wou
cleanſed
St. Auſt
ber, wh
verence,
to her St
ve ſpeal
deemer,
nefactor
would |
ending
would h
preſerve
don.
To u
prerogat
(4
little office
cenſure is
ers themſ,
which phy
was ſpotle
before ſhe
granted t.
the luna
Waculate
the title c
public pr:
Pious ſent
them z y
ceptic
myſtery 0
Mary „ W
Ural, rat
e ingen
eiatres,
Dec, 8. Dec. 6 Conception of the B. V. MARx. 0 173
e to thel ble to her ſtate of ſpotleſs ſanctity. To have been one
o her d- noment infected with ſin was not agreeable to the un-
oft ſuit- N defiled purity of her who was choſen to be ever holy,
that ſhe might be worthy to bring forth the author of
ion of the Ml ſanctity. Had ſhe ever been in fn, notwithſtanding the
wth in the WM advantages of her other privileges and graces, and her
as. predeftination to the ſublime dignity of Mother of God,
„ in! par ſhe would have been for that moment before ſhe was
tion to be cleanſed, the object of his indignation and juſt hatred.
10 the ca-W St. Auſtin thought this reaſon ſufficient for exempting
e held by BY ter, whenever mention is made of fin. Out of re-
ical aſſem- , .
fs, _ xerence,” ſays he, and for the honour which is due
y the uri: to her Son, 1 will have no queſtion put about her when
teſting the WI we ſpeak of any fin.” (4) Chriſt was no leſs her Re-
yy demer, Reconciler, and moſt perfect Saviour and Be-
himſelf b BY nefactor, by preſerving her from this ſtain, than he
4 an. 149% vould have been by cleanſing her from it; as by de-
nt. T. 24 ending from Adam ſhe was liable to this debt, and
A vould have contracted the contagion, had ſhe not been
4. and er-: preſerved from it through the grace and merits of her
- obſerved. i Ln. |
who aflit- WF To underſtand how great a grace, and how ſingular a
; 9 prerogative this total exemption from all ſin was in
Mary's im- |
rbad either (4) S. Aug. 1. de Nat. & Grat. c. 36: n. 42. p. 144.
_ de office of the immaculate Conception is condemned: but this
ile aft, cenſure is not to be extended to other ſuch little offices, In the pray-
4 en themſelyes it is called the Conception of the. Immaculate Virgin,
+ Ger, aN phraſe is ambiguous, and may be underſtood to imply only the
ence todo vas Ipotleſs from all actual fin, and was cleanſed from original fin
ir private die ine was born, in which all catholics agree. Benedict XIII.
1 _ to the ſubjects of Auſtria and the Empire a weekly office of
* Immaculate Conception on every Saturday: but the epithet Im-
*Oncepti00 g
7 oY * Conception occurs not in any of the prayers, but only in
ein Mar . the office. This E reſerve of the church in her
\elieve het oye rn is a caution to her children, whilſt they maintain this
* Paul . | 8 entunent, not to exceed the bounds which ſhe has preſcribed
ſion, but dem; though certain devotions are uſed in many parts, in which the
uke Wad- . is called immaculate in the prayers theimſelves. It is the
in Spain) Mar ry of the Immaculation, or Sanctification of the Bleſſed Virgin
pilipp! IV. inf Sor any is the object of the devotion of the church on this feſ-
e conce 1 ather than her bare Conception; according to the remark of
a certan dent Ons author of Obſervations Hiſt. & Crit. ſur les erreurs des
lite tes, Ke. anno 1771. T. 1. p. 35» 36.
=
wy
5
2
'
1
*
5
bi
pe
\ 2
4
*
8.
me fortl
wking he
adornec
uſninine
wnle to |
er to G.
mercy, ar
mn the wc
The gr
reſerved
dordinate
ut lin o
dy the t
dich it
hence o
ur unde
Way wit
the ba
Wngerou
weakneſs
wer by
Uhculty
proneneſ
meſtine
experien
luch mi
proud,
174 Conception of the B. V. MARY. Dec,
Mary, we may take a ſurvey of the havock that mo
ſter made amongſt men from the beginning of the worl
excepting Mary. The moſt holy — the ſaints z
received their exiſtence in ſin; they were all obliged
lay with St. Paul: Ye were the children of wrath, ev
as the reft. (5) The fall of our firſt father Adam
volved all mankind in guilt and miſery. From th:
time, for the ſpacg/of four thouſand years, fin reigne
without control on every fide. By its dire effects t
greateſt part of the world was plunged into the mo
trightful ſtate of ſpiritual darkneſs and blindneſs, Ever
the ſons of light were born under its ſlavery; Abraham
Moſes, Elias, Jeremy, Job, and all the other faint
confeſſed with David: Behold, I was toncerved in iniqu
ties, and in fin my mother conceived me. (6) Sin was be
come an univerſal leproſy, a contagion which no on
could eſcape : an evil common to all mankind, and in
fecting every particular individual that deſcended fro
Adam, as his own inherent guilt : ſomething accidental
and foreign to our nature, yet ſo general an attendant
upon it, that it might almoſt ſeem a conſtituent part
thereof. It was communicated with the fleſh and blood
which men received from their parents, and from the!
firſt father Adam. Every child contracted this infectio
with the firſt principle of life. Mary, by a fingula
privilege, was exempted from it, and entered a work
of ſin ipotleſs and holy. bo is ſbe that cometh forth 4
the morning riſing, fair as the moon, bright as the ſun, 9 dot
rible as an army ſet in array! ) Theſe words we may b hum
underſtand as ſpoken by the angels at the firſt glorioungm se n
appearance of the Mother of God, aſtonithed to behoid unſt
her, after the diſmal night of darkneſs and fin, as tte "ns d
morning riſing, beautiful as the moon, ſhining 48 i us
ſun, decked with the brighteſt ornaments of grace, a vith i
terrible to all the powers of hell, as the face of an am) he 8 |
drawn up in battalia, diſplaying her beams on the "
11zon of — earth, Sick tas — hitherto covered - men
the hideous deformity of fin. hat a glorious ſpectacle, 1. ade
what a ſuhject of joy was it to the heavenly pun og
ſee the empire of lin broken, and a deſcendant of A Mary e
1 check
(5) Epbeſ. xi. 3. (6) Pf. J. 7. (7) Cant. vi. 9.
»
-
"A
| 3, Canception of the B. V. MARY, 175
me forth free from the general contagion of his race,
Dee.
hat mo
he worl ng her appearance pure, holy, and beautiful, rich-
ſaints af) adorned with the moſt precious gifts of grace, and
bliged Wwſhining the higheſt angels and cherubims ! Shall we
ath, eue e to her our admiration and praiſes ? Shall we not
\dam |
rom th
1 reigne
Tects t
if: to God our beſt homages in thankſgiving for ſuch a
gercy, and for ſo great a preſent which he has beſtowed
m the world in Mary?
The grace which exempted Mary from original fin,
the mo(Mfeſerved her alſo from the ſting of concupiſcence, or
ſs. EveMWlwrdinate love of creatures, and tendency to evil. The
\brahan{Wlit fin of Adam brought on us a deluge of evils, and
ger ſainu n the two wounds of ignorance and concupiſcence
in inipui i dich it has left in us, its malignity has ſpread its in-
| was bel bence over all the powers of our fouls. Through it
1 no out underſtanding is liable to be deceived, and to be led
and in y with errors; our will is abandoned to the aſſaults
ded flom the baſeft paſſions; our ſenſes are become inlets of
xcidentalWagerous ſuggeſtions; we are ſubjected to ſpiritual
uttendan i veaknels, inconſtancy, and vanity, and are tyrannized
1ent par der by inordinate appetites. Hence proceeds in us a
nd blood Siculty in doing gocd, a repugnance to our duties, a
rom thei proneneſs to evil, the poiſoned charm of vice, and the
infection weſtine war of the fleſh againſt the ſpirit. All this we
ſingula
a worde
þ forth a
ſun, ter-
aperience and groan under; yet under the weight of
ch miſeries, by a much greater evil, we are blind,
proud, and inſenſible. The exceſs of our miſery is,
hat though it be extreme, we do not ſufficiently deplore
we may humble ourſelves under it, and labour by watchful-
glonousg des, mortification, and prayer to acquire ſtrength
0 behold Gunst our dangers. Mary employed earneſtly theſe
1, as they ins during the courſe of her life, though free from
g as the lis inward proneneſs to evil, and from the fomes peccati
ace, andi dangerous ſting of concupiſcence, which we inherit
an army Wl vii original fin, and which remains after baptiſm, for
the ho- Exerciſe of our virtue and fidelity. We court our
red wit Wh Engers, indulge and fortify our enemies, and careſs
pectacle, Wi d adore thoſe idols which we are bound to deſtroy.
pirits, do > procure for ourſelves ſome part in the bleſſing which
of Adam oy Enjoyed, in the empire over our paſſions, we muſt
1 . . »
9. ek them, reſtrain our ſenſes, and die to ourſelves.
*
176 Conception of the B. V. MARY, Dec. 8 Dec. 8.
We muſt never ceaſe ſighing to God, to implore his aid "ich !
. againſt this domeſtic enemy, and never enter into an power
truce with him. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for Ian the de
weak e heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. Veel
If our weakneſs and dangers call for our tears, we have Uvine
ſtill much greater reaſon to weep for our guilt and re ſlt-lov
peated tranſgreſſions. © Whereas grace in Mary triumph- the mc
ed even over. original fin; we, on the contrary, even for vel
after baptiſm and penance, by which we were cleanſedif vith n
from fin, return to it again, increaſe our hereditary that ar
weakneſs and miſeries; and what is of all things moſt them \
grievous, infinitely aggravate our guilt by daily offences I ate f
H bo will give water 10 my bead, and a fountain of tears Vous
10 my eyes ? (9) O Mother of Mercy, let your happy 5" the
privilege, your exemption from all fin and concupil- cleanſ1
cence, inſpire you with pity for our miſeries: and by dee Me
your ſpotleſs purity and abundant graces obtain for us which
ſtrength againſt all our dangers, the deliverance from al holy |
our miſeries, and the moſt powerful remedies of divine Wi * beg
grace. Thus from this myſtery we are to draw leſſons larly tt
of confuſion and inſtruction for ourſelves. of the
Mary, in her conception, was not only free from John «
ſtain, but moreover was adorned with the moſt precious ha
graces, ſo as to appear beautiful and glorious in the eyes her me
of God. And the grace ſhe then received was the ſeed fleſh, *
of the great virtues which ſhe exerciſed, and the higher N "cc
graces to which by the improvement of her firſt ſtock I ence!
ſhe was afterward raiſed, during the whole courſe of het The
mortal life. By the firſt graces ſhe was free from al I 024 »
inclination to accurſed pride, and from all inordinat but lik
ſelf- love, and remained always perfectly empty of her. of the
ſelf, This diſpoſition ſhe expreſſed when honoured vith the fa
the higheſt graces, and exalted to the moſt ſublime and Zuręs;
wonderful ſpiritual dignity; under which ſinking 109 8
in her own abyſs of weakneſs and nothingneſs, ſhe fm: Mar '
cerely and purely gave all glory to him. She confeſſed 24
aloud that he choſe her not for any merit, or any thing yu m
he ſaw in her, but becauſe he would fignalize his om Walt
potence by chooſing the weakeſt and meaneſt int (b)
ment, and becauſe he ſaw in her the nothingneſs u tak by
; vi,
* (8) Of. vil. 3. (9) Jer. ix.
Dec. 8
e his aid
into an
for I an
ubled. (8
we have
and re
triumph-
ry, even
cleanſed
ereditary
ngs moſt
offences,
| of tears
ur happy
concupil-
: and by
iin for us
from all
of divine
w leflons
Tee from
| precious
the eyes
; the ſed
he higher
rſt ſtock
ſe of het
from all
nordinate
; of het-
aired with
lime and
ng lower
, ſhe ſm
confeſſed
my thing
is om.
ſt inſtru
agnes n
Dec, 8. Conception of the B. V. MARV. 197:
which he moſt fitly exerted and manifeſted his infinite:
power and greatneſs. By a lurking pride we obſtruct
the deſigns of- the divine mercy in our favour. The
reſſel of our heart cannot receive the plentiful effuſion of
divine grace, ſo long as it is filled with the poiſon of
elf. love. The more perfectly it is cleanſed and empty,
the more is it fitted to receive. As the prophet called
for veſſels that were empty, that they might be filled
with miraculous oil; ſo muſt we preſent to God hearts
that are perfectly empty, when we pray that he repleniſh
them with his grace. The exerciſe of humility, meek-
neſs, patience, reſignation, obedience, ſelf-denial, ris
gorous ſelf-examination, compunction, and penance be-
gin the work: but prayer and divine love perfect the
cleanſing of the fountain from which they ſpring. Thus
are we to attain that purity of heart and affections by
which we ſhall bear ſome degree of reſemblance to the
holy Mother of God. This grace we ought earneſtly
to beg of God, through her interceſſion, and particu-
larly to commend to him, through her, the preſervation
of the holy virtue of purity, The venerable and pious
John' of Avila gives this advice in the following words:
have particularly ſeen much profit received, throu
ber means, by perſons moleſted with temptations of the
fleſh, who recited ſome prayer in memory of her ſpotleſs
conception, and of that virginal purity with which ſhe
conceived the Son of God.“
The immaculate Conception of the holy Mother of
was not only in itſelf a great and glorious myſtery,
but likewiſe joyſul to mankind. Certain glimmerings
of the benefit of our Redemption had gone before-from
the fall of Adam in ſeveral revelations, types, and fi-
dures; in which. the diſtant proſpect of this wonderful
mercy filled the patriarchs and other ſaints of the Old
with comfort and holy joy. But the Conception of
Mary diſplayed the firſt rays of its approaching light,
and may be ſaid to have been its riſing morning, or the
dauning of its day. (b) In this myſtery ſhe appeared
7 their own private authority they celebrated a feaſt of the
L, XII. | N | immaculate
{i
. =
E
3
3 2 Bernard teproves the canons of the church of Lyons, be-
Vo
178 i ROMARIC, A, Dec. 8.
pure and glorious, ſhining among the daughters of
Adam as a lily among thorns. (10) To her from the
moment of her Conception God faid : Thon art all beau-
tiful, my love, and there is no ſpot in thee. (11) She was
the encloſed garden, which the ſerpent could never enter:
and the ſealed fountain which he never defiled. (12) She
was the Throne and the Tabernacle of the true Solo-
mon, and the Ark of the Teſtament to contain, not
corruptible manna, but the Author of the incorruptible
life of our ſouls. Saluting her with theſe epithets, in
exultation and *praiſe, let us ſing with the church:
This is the Conception of the glorious Virgin Mary,
of the ſeed of Abraham, ſprung from the tribe of Juda,
Huſtrious of the houſe of David, whoſe life, by its
brightneſs, illuſtrates all churches.” “.
On Tas SAMRH Dar.
St. RomaRic, Abbot, Renouncing the court of
Clotaire II. in which he enjoyed the higheſt honours and
dignities, he ſold great part of his eſtates for the benefit
of the poor; and with the reſidue founded two monal-
teries, one for men, the other for women, at the foot of
mount Voſge, now in Lorrain. He took the monaſtic
habit at Luxeu, and procured St. Amatus, a monk of |
(10) Cant. xi. 2. (11) Cant. iv. 7. (12) Cant. iv. 12.
immaculate Conception of the Bleſſed Virgin Mary, without conſult
ing the Roman ſee. (ep. 174.) Long before that time this feſt
was kept with great devotion in the Eaftern churches ; and was in
holyday before the emperor Emmanuel Comnenus enforced its ob.
ſervance about the year 1150, (ap. Balſam, in nomocan. Phot.
George biſhop of Nicomedia, in the reign of Heraclius, calls it
feaſt of ancient date. Baronius, Benedict c. ſuppoſe, that n
the Weſt it was firſt inſtituted in England, by St. Anfelm about the
year 1150. But St. Anſelm's letter on which this opinion is founded»
ſeems not to be genuine, {See Lupus, ad Conc. Mogunt. ſub Leone
IX. T. 3. p. 497.) And Jof. Affemani demonſtrates from the mar
ble calendar of Naples, engrayed in the ninth age, that
was then kept in that city, and that the church of Naples Was
&({ in the Weſt which adopted it in imitation of the Orient:
Pope Statue IV. in 1483, commanded it to be kept an bole
See Bened. XIV, De Feſtis B. Mariz V. c. 15. p. 348. Jol. Ale
mani, in Calend. Univ. T. 5. p. 433. ad p. 462. and Mazocchiv%
bs Vetus Marmoreum Neap. Calendarium. «4
Dec. 8,
ters of
om the
l beau-
She was
r enter:
1t conſult-
is feſtival
nd was n
d its ob-
a. Photii,)
„calls ts
ſe, that in
about the
Dec, g. S. LEOCADIA, V. M. 179
that houſe, to be appointed firſt abbot at Remiremont,
which was the name of the monaſtery ' which he had
built. He-ſpent ſeveral years under his direction in the
fame houſe, to which he removed. Upon the death of
St. Amatus he was compelled to take upon him the go-
vernment of that abbey. The world from which he
fled, he viewed at a diſtance with a pious dread, and
in his ſanctuary enjoyed that peace which heaven alone
can 4 The example of his life, and the ſeverity
whic
he uſed towards himſelf, were alone a cenſure of
the ſlothful. Charity, ſweetneſs, and humility formed
the character of his virtue, Having made it his chief
ſtudy,. during the twenty-ſix years of his abbacy, to
karn to die, he joyfully received the laſt ſummons, and
departed from this life to a better in 653. His name is
Inſerted in the Gallican and Roman martyrologies. Ses
lis life written by a diſciple, and Bulteau. af;
DECEMBER IX.
St. LEOCADIA, Virgin, Martyr.
A. D. 304.
Tur name of St. Leocadia is highly reverenced in
Spain. This holy virgin was a native of Toledo, and
vas apprehended by an order of Dacian, the cruel go-
vernor under Diocleſian, in 304. Her conſtancy was
tried by torments, and ſhe died in priſon. For hearing
of the martyrdom of St. Eulalia, ſhe prayed that God
vould not prolong her exile, but unite her ſpeedily with
her holy friend in his glory: in which prayer ſhe haps
Py expired in priſon, Three famous churches in To-
edo bear her name, and ſhe is honoured as principal
Patroneſs of that city. In one of thoſe churches moſt of
councils of Toledo were held: in the fourth of theſe
is honourably mentioned. Her relicks were kept in
t church with great reſpect, till in the incurſions of
Oors were conveyed to Oviedo, and ſome
years afterward to the abbey of St. Guiſlain near Mons
iu Haynault. By the procurement of king Philip II.
. Na |
4
3
—
r
=. .- SES n —
. ˙ r r
Rn
"I
c
*
4
. q
*
S DE
180 deren MARTYRS at Samoſata, Dee. 9.
they were tranſlated back to Toledo with great pomp,
that king, his ſon prince Philip, his daughter Eliſabeth,
and the empreſs Mary his fifter being preſent at their
folemn reception in the great church there on the 26th
of April, 1 589. 3
St. Leocadia being called to the trial exerted all he-
roic chriſtian virtues, becauſe ſhe had made her whole
life an apprenticeſhip of them, and their practice had
been familiar to her. Some people ſay it was eaſy for
Chriſtians to be totally diſengaged from the world, and
to give themſelves up to prayer and penance when they
daily and hourly expected to be called upon to lay down
their lives for Chriſt. But were we not blinded by the
world; and if the enchantment of its follies, the near
proſpe& of eternity, the uncertainty of the hour of our
death, and the repeated precepts of Chriſt were equally
the ſubjects of our meditation, theſe motives would pro-
duce in us the ſame fervent diſpoſitions which they did
in the primitive Chriſtians. How much ſoever men
now-a-days are ſtrangers to theſe goſpel truths, for want
of giving themſelves leiſure to conſider them, Chriſtians
are bound to be totally diſentangled from worldly affec-
tions in order to unite their hearts cloſely to God, that
they may receive the abundant graces and favours which
He communicates to fouls which open themſelves to
him, They ate bound to renounce ſenſuality, and the
diſorders and vanities of the world, and to be animated
with a ſpirit of meekneſs, peace, patience, charity, and
affectionate good-will towards all men, zeal, piety and
devotion. They are bound to be prepared in the diſpo-
fition of their hearts to leave all things, and to ſuffer al
things for his love. X |
On Tur ZAM Day.
The Seven Max T VRS at Samoſata. In the year 29]
the emperor Maximian, returning victorious from |
defeat of the Perſian army, celebrated the quinquenm
games at Samoſata, the capital of Syria Comagene, 7
on the banks of the Euphrates. On this occaſion
commanded all the inhabitants to repair to the remple 0
fortune, ſituate in the middle of the city, to aſliſt at
Dec. 9.
ſolemn
de mad
the ſou1
of victu
ons for
had fon
a ſecre
Eaſtern
fore wt
adored
intimat
Paragri
viſt the
found t
Dec, 9.
Pomp,
iſabeth,
at their
je 26th
all he-
r whole
ice had
eaſy for
Id, and
en they
ty down
1 by the
the near
of our
equally
uld pro-
they did
er men
for want
hriſtians
ly affec-
od, that
rs which
ſelves to
and the
mimated
ity, and
ety and
ie diſpo-
ſuffer al
Dec. 9. Seven MARTYRS at Samoſata. 187
ſolemn ſupplications and ſacrifices which were there to
de made to the gods. The whole town echoed with
the found of trumpets, and was infected with the ſmelł
of victims and incenſe. Hipparchus and Philotheus, per-
ns for birth and fortune of the firſt rank in the city,
lad ſome time before embraced- the Chriſtian faith. In
a ſecret cloſet in the houſe. of Hipparchus, upon the
Eattern wall they had made an image of the croſs, be-
fore which, with their faces turned to the Eaſt, they
adored the Lord Jeſus Chriſt ſeven times a day. Five
intimate friends, much younger in years, named James,
Paragrus, Habibus, Romanus and Lollianus, coming to
vilit them at the ninth hour, or three in the afternoon,
fourd them in this private chamber praying before the
crols, and aſked them why they were in mourning, and
prayed at home, at a time when, by the emperor's or-
ders, all the gods of the whole city had been tranſport-
ed into the temple of fortune, and all perſons were com-
manded to aſſemble there. to pray. They anſwered,
that they adored the Maker of the world. James ſaid:
Do you take that croſs for the Maker of the world?
For | ſee it is adored by you.” Hipparchus anſwered :
Him we adore who hung upon the croſs. Him we
confeſs to be God, and the Son of God, begotten, not
made, co-efſential with the Father, by whoſe deity we
leve this whole world is created, preſerved and go-
red, It is now the third year ſince we were baptized
n the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghoſt, by James, a prieſt of the true faith, who
ace has never intermitted from time to time to give us
ite Body and Blood of Chriſt. We therefore think it
unlawful for us during theſe three diys to ſtit out of
ts: for we abhor the ſmell of victims with-which the
able city is infected.” After much diſcourſe together
hive young noblemen declared they deſired to be
reel. but feared the ſeverity of the laws, ſaying
two were protecteq by their dignities in the magiſ-
1050 and their favour at court; but that as for them-
they were young and without protection. Hip-
Digs and Philotheus faid, + The earthen veſſel or
"KK is but dirt till it be tempered with clay, and has
«
182 Seven MARTYRS at Samoſata, Dec. .
paſſed the fire.” And they diſcourſed ſo well on mar. MW ond
tyrdom, and on the contempt of the world which faith whethet
inſpireth, that the five young men deſired to be bap- md wh
tized, and to bear the badge of Chriſt, confeſſing that WM g on
when they firſt ſaw their two friends at prayer before the Hippar
croſs, they felt an unuſual fire glowing within their ſtantly
breaſts. Hipparchus and Philotheus at grit adviſed them WM de god
to defer their baptiſm, but at length pleaſed with their WM Would!
ardour, they diſpatched a meſſenger to the prieſt James, pelled t
with a letter ſealed with their own ſeal, the contents of WM Noule ©
which were as follows: Be pleaſed to come to us as WM ilemb!
ſoon as poſſible, and bring with you a veſſel of water,
an hoſt, and an horn of oil for anointing. Your pre-
ſence is earneſtly defired by certain tender ſheep which
are come over to our fold, and are impatient that its
mark be ſet upon them.” James forthwith. covered the
ſacred utenſils with his cloak, and coming to the houſe
found the ſeven bleſſed men on their knees at prayer.
Saluting them he ſaid : © Peace be with you, ſervants of
Jeſus Chriſt who was; crucified for his creatures.” They
all aroſe, and James, Paragrus, Habibus, Romanus and
Lollianus fell at his feet, and faid : & Have pity on us,
and give us the mark of Chriſt whom you adore.” He
aſked them if they were ready to ſuffer tribulation and
torments for Chriſt, who ſuffered firſt for them. They
anſwered with one voice, that nothing ſhould ever be
able to ſeparate them from the love of God which is in
Chriſt Jeſus. He then bad them join him in pre
When they had prayed together on their knees for the
ce of an hour, the prieſt roſe up, and ſaluting them
id: The grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt be with you
all.” When they had made a confeſſion of their faith,
and abjured idolatry, he baptized them, and immediate-
ly gave them the Body and Blood of Chriſt, This be-
ing done Be took up the ſacred utenſils, and covering
them with his cloak made haſte home, fearing left the
pagans ſhould diſcover them together ; for the prieſt was
an old man in a mean ragged garment : and Hipparchvs
and Philotheus were men of the firſt rank, and —
— of great honour, and the other five were illuſtnou
their birth.
Dee. 9; 5, Seven MARTYRS at Samoſata. 193
On the third day of the feſtival the emperor inquired
ch faith WI whether none among the magiſtrates contemned the gods,
de bap- ud whether they had all performed the duty of ſacrific-
ing on this public occaſion. He was anſwered, that
Hipparchus and Philotheus had for three years paſt con-
fantly abſented themſelves from the public worſhip of
d them Wl the gods. Hereupon the emperor gave orders that they
h their WI fhould be conducted to the temple of fortune, and com-
pelled to offer ſacrifice. The meflengers coming to the
ents of WE houſe of Hipparchus, found the ſeven abovementioned
o us as WJ iſembled together; but at firſt apprehended only Hip-
water, barchus and Philotheus. The emperor afked them why
ur pre- they contemned both him and the immortal gods ?
> which Hipparchus ſaid: I bluſh to hear wood and ſtones
that its WJ alled gods.” The emperor commanded that he ſhould
receive fifty ſtripes, with whips loaded with leaden plum-
mets, on the back, and then be confined in a dark dun-
geon. Philotheus being preſented before him, the em-
rayer.
224 _ promiſed to make him prætor, and to beſtow on
They im other preferments if he complied. The confeſſot
"us and WY "*plied, that honours upon ſuch terms would be an ig-
on us, Wl fominy, and that he eſteemed diſgrace ſuffered for Chriſt
„ He de greateſt of all honours. He then began to explain
on and de creation of the world, and ſpoke with great elo-
They WW ence. The emperor interrupted him, faying he faw
ver be BY flat he was a man of learning, and that he would not
h is in kat him to the torture, hoping that his own reaſon would
prayer. donvince him of his errors. But he gave orders that he
of be put in irons, and confined in a ſeparate dun-
them WW £9" from that in which Hipparchus was detained, In
th you mean time an order was ſent to ſeize the other five
faith, BW beat were found with them. The emperor put them in
ediate- mind, that they were in the flower of their age, and
1s be- Lrborted them not to deſpiſe the bleſſings of life. They
vering inſvered, that faith in Chriſt is preferable to life, add-
eſt the i that no treacherous artifices ſhould draw them from
ſt was their duty to God: Eſpecially,” faid-they, © as we
archus "any in our bodies the Body and Blood of Chriſt. . ;
Our bodies are conſecrated by the touch of his Body:
der ought bodies weich have been made holy, to be
flitated, by offering an outrageous affront to the dig-
184 Seven MAR TRS at Samofata - Dec. g,
nity to which they have been raiſed.” The emperor in-
treated them to have pity on their youth, and not throw
away their lives, ſwearing by the gods that if they per-
y ſhould be unmercifully
beaten, and ſhould miſerably periſh. He repeated, that
Their an-
ſwer was, that they were not affrighted with torments.
The emperor ordered that they ſhould be chained, *
ſiſted in their obſtinacy, t
they ſnould be crucified like their maſter.
kept in ſeparate dungeons, without meat or drink, ti
the feſtival ſhould be over.
The ſolemnity which was celebrated for ſeveral days
being concluded, the emperor
cauſed a tribunal to be erefted without the walls of the
in honour of the gods,
city, in a meadow near the banks of the Euphrates,
and the fields thereabouts were covered with rich hang -
ings like tents, Maximian having taken his ſeat, by his
order, the confeſſors were brought before him. The
two old magiſtrates were firſt led by chains thrown about
their necks : the other five followed them, all having
their hands tied behind their backs. Upon their pe-
remptory refuſal to offer ſacrifice, they were all ſtretched
upon the rack, and each received twenty ſtripes upon
his back, and was then ſcourged with thongs upon the
breaſt and belly. This being done they were carried
back each to his'own dungeon, with ſtrict orders that
no one ſhould be allowed to ſee them or ſend them any
thing to comfort or ſupport them, and that they ſhould
be furniſhed by their keepers with juſt ſo much coat
bread as would keep them alive, In this condition they
lay from the 1 5th of April to the 25th of June. Then
they were again brought before the emperor, but look:
ed more like carcaſes than living men, He told them
that if chey would comply, he would cauſe their hair to
be ſhorn, and would have them waſhed in the bath, cat
ried to the'palace, and re-eſtabliſhed: in their dignitics
They all prayed that he would not ſeek to draw-them
from the way which Jeſus: Chiſt had opened to the.
The emperor, whoſe eyes ſparkled with fury, upon ww
ing this-anſwery ſaid: “ Wretches, you ſeek deal.
LVour deſſte is granted, that ydu tnay at length ceale id
inſult the gods. He thengammanded that cords
0
Dec. 9.
he put
that the
dately
their be
yords,
howeve!
e And
table w.
the Hol
wards t.
at ſome
long tra
tilled th
lamenta
ntory,
Proclus,
dy an |
commit
lente
ed t
princes
Minious
ltheus
ought t
which h
pere ſe
at leaſt
ome re
Uly aſſe
put inte
Purpoſe
cite
privatel
fer pre
* 95
Peak)
with G
for this
dleſling,
em
Mapiſtr,
Dec. g.
eror in-
t throw
ey per-
rcifully
2d, that
eir an-
rments.
qd, *
nk, ti
ral days
2mperot
s of the
dee. Seven MARTYRS at Samoſata. 185
te put croſs their mouths, 'and bound round them, and
that they ſhould be crucified. The cords were imme»
dately put in their mouths, and faſtened tight about
heir bodies, ſo that they could only mutter broken
yords, and not ſpeak diſtinctly. In this condition,
however, they returned thanks to God, and encouraged
me another, rejoicing that they were leaving this miſe-
able world, to go to God, the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and
the Holy Ghoſt. They were immediately hurried to-
wards the Tetradion, the common place of execution,
n ſome diſtance from the city, and were followed by a
long train of relations, friends, ſervants and others, who
flled the fields in the way, and rent the air with their
lkmentations. In the mean time the lords of that ter-
dry, Tiberianus, Gallus, Longinianus, Felicianus,
Proclus, Coſmianus, Maſcolianus and Priſcus, to whom
by an imperial writ the government of the city. was
committed, waited on the emperor in a body, and re-
r to him that a great multitude of citizens fol-
ed the priſoners all an . tears, grieved to ſee. ſeven
princes of their country led chained to a cruel and igno-
Minous death: they alleged that Hipparchus and Phi-
btheus were their colleagues in the magiſtracy, who
Gwpht to ſettle their accounts, and the public affairs
wich had been left in their hands, that the other five
were ſenators of their city, who ought to be allowed
it leaſt to make their wills: they 8 begged that
bme reſpite might be granted them. The emperor rear
ly aſſented, and gave order that the martyrs ſhould oy
Put into the hands of theſe magiſtrates for the aforeſai
purpoſes. The magiſtrates led them into the porch af
the circus, and having taken the cords from their mouths \
Pivately ſaid to them: We obtained this liberty un-
r pretence of ſettling with you the public accounts
ad civil affairs: but in reality to rave the favour o
raking to you in private, begging your interceſſion
mh God for whom you die, an denn
ring your bleſſing
this city and ourſelves.” The martyrs gave their
ling, and harangued the people that were aſſembled.
Enperor was informed, and ſent a reprimand to the
Mapiſtrates for ſuffering the martyrs to ſpeak to the peo-
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x96 Seven MARTYRS at Samoſata. Dee.
Dee. 9.
— Their excuſe was that they durſt not forbid it fo St. v
ear of a tumult. | ed from
- The emperor * 1 his tribunal would again (ef bee an:
the martyrs; but found their reſolution unſnaken. He placed
therefore ordered ſeven croſſes to be erected over againſt Ml cheſter.
the gate of the city, and again conjured Hipparchus to fte reje
obey. The venerable old man laying his hand upon his Ml fetits ar
bald head ſaid: As this, according to the courſe of ſecured
nature, cannot be — covered with hair; fo never ¶ ud the
ſnall T change or conform to your will in this point.” WM ny. /
Maximian commanded a goat's ſkin to be faſtened with Wi & by ti
ſharp nails upon his head: then jeering ſaid : * See, BW hilde oi
your bald pate is now covered with hair: ſacrifice there- ¶ vas (ca
fore according to the terms of your own condition.” Will ter, ho
The martyrs were hoiſted on their croſſes: and at noon Wil beyond
feveral ladies came out of the city, and having bribed Bl of the
the guards with money, obtained leave to wipe the faces Wl the kin
of the martyrs, and to receive their blood with ſponges Wi the chu
and linen cloths. Hipparchus died on the croſs in 1 tion wit
ſhort time. James, Romanus and Lollianus expired the WI conſecr
next day, being ſtabbed by the ſoldiers whilft they hung WW tate.
on their croſſes. Philotheus, Habibus and Paragrus were WW ter foul
taken down from their croſſes whilſt they were living v her |
The emperor being informed that they were yet alive, Wl entire f
commanded huge nails to be driven into their heads. BW fat.
This was executed with ſuch cruelty that their brains i alterwa
were thruſt out through their noſes and months. Mar vouſe |
mian ordered that their bodies ſhould be dragged by the fettled
feet, and thrown into the Euphrates. But Baſſus, a nch and for
Chriſtian, redeemed them privately of the guards for UW fire.
ſeven hundred denarij, and buried them in the night at f tity and
his farm in the country. The Acts of their martyrdo 8 mode] |
were compiled by a prieſt who ſays he was preſent in! Her int
mean garb when the holy martyrs gave their den, wh b
their citizens. See theſe authentic acts written by 0 ut ſhe
prieſt who was eye-witneſs to their ſufferings, publiin- i Jear gg,
ed in Chaldaic by Steph. Aſſemani, Act. Mart. T.%
pars. | tins] 4 . Hie
gain ſee
en, He
r againſt
archus to
upon his
courſe of
ſo never
s point,”
ned with
* See,
ce there-
dition.“
at noon
z bribed
the faces
| ſponges
oſs in 4
pired the
ey hung
Tus Were
e living.
et alive,
Dec. g. 8. WULFHILDE, V. A. 187
St. WuLF#H1tDE, V. Abbeſs. This noble lady learn-
&d from her infancy to deſpiſe all earthly things, and to
bye and eſteem only thoſe which are heavenly ; and was
paced young by her parents in the monaſtery of Win-
cheſter. King Edgar became enamoured of her: but
ſhe tejected his great offers, intreaties, enſnaring pre-
ſents and meſſages, knowing that virtue is not to be
kecured but by watching againſt the moſt diſtant ſight,
nd the moſt ſubtle and diſguiſed approaches of an ene-
my, An aunt of the virgin ſuffered herſelf to be gain-
ed by the king, and feigaing herſelf fick ſent for Wulf⸗
tilde out of her monaſtery to come to her. The virgin
was ſcarce arrived at her houſe but the king came upon
ter, hoping to overcome her reſolution. But alarmed
beyond meaſure at the danger, ſhe violently broke out
of the houſe, leaving part of her ſleeve in the hands of
the king who attempted to hold her, and running to
the church held the altar, imploring the divine protec-
ton with many tears. It had long been her defire to
conſecrate herſelf to her heavenly ſpouſe in a religious
ate, The horror and dread of the danger to which
ter foul had been expoſed in this temptation, was a ſpur
o her in the purſuit of virtue, and ſhe completed the
entire ſacrifice of herſelf to God, with the fervour of a
nt, The king was overcome by her conſtancy, and
alterward nominated her abbeſs of Barking, on which
louſe he beſtowed many fair poſſeſſions. Wulfhilde
kitled upon it twenty villages of her own patrimony ;
nd founded another monaſtery at Horton in Dorſet-
ſire, Both theſe houſes ſhe governed with great ſanc-
ity and prudence, lived in great auſterity, and was a
mode] of charity, devotion, meekneſs and humility:
r inflexible virtue excited the jealouſy of queen El-
e, by whom ſhe was ejected out of her monaſteries.
ut ſhe was reſtored with honour, and died about- the
Jar 9go, in the reign of Etheldred Il. Many miracles
"7 wrought at her tomb, as William of Malmeſbury
nd others aſſure us. St. Edilburge, St. Wulfhilde and
t Hildelide were much honoured by our Engliſh an-
os, and their relicks eſteemed the greateſt treaſure
as ll aA & 1
2 --
n
2
283 $8.-WULFHILDE, v. A. Dec.
of the abbey of Barking; in which St. Erkonwald the
founder made his ſiſter St. Edilbu the firſt abbe
but gave her St. Hildelide for her aſſiſtant whom he cal
ed over from France, where ſhe had made her religio 86
profeſſion, though an Engliſh lady by birth. (a) As ſhe
was the directreis of Ediſburge, during her life, © ſtef fon Eu
ſucceeded her in the government of this monaſtery afie
her death, and is named in the Enghſh calendars on the
24th of March. (1) On St. Wulfhilde, ſee William of Ms
Malmeſbury, 1. 2. Pontif. and her life in Capgrave, andi the «
in John of Tintnouth. () 8 8 u, in
uſhed
(1) Bede, Hiſt. L. 4. c. 10. 2 afte
. Du-Pleſſis imagines Trithemius and others who mentioned 8. the free
Hitdelide, abbeſs, among the ſaints who flouriſhed at Faremoutie, building
miſtook this name for St. Hilda, though ſhe never was there. It sf who wer
true, that St. Hildelide was never abbeſs at Faremoutier, but at Milan ir
Barking in England. But ſhe had unqueſtionably lived at Faremon- Wa
tier or at Chelles, before ſhe came to Barking: See Bede, (I. 4. e. Ke in
10.) Du-Pleſſis, (Hiſt. de l'Egl. de Meaux, I. 1. n. 84.) cnſcien
(4b) John of Tinmouth, monk of St. Alban's, flouriſhed in 137%, our c
and compiled the lives of 157 Britiſh, Engliſh, Scottiſh, and Iriſh from th
ſaints. His SanGilogivm is extant MS, in the Lambeth Libray, Mt
quoted by Wharton, (Anglia Sacta, T. 2. p. 75, Kc.) alſo in the ur
Cottdnian library; but this copy is ſo much damaged by the coi Wwe on!)
flagration of an adjoining houſe, next the wall of the library, whe Machice
it was kept at Weſtminſter, that the leaves ate glued together. e in v
he methods which are uſed at the Vatican library and at Hereu- no a
seum, to unfold MSS. which are worn with age, and in which the -
leaves adhere together, ſeveral of theſe endamaged N88. books Mans w
might probably be again made uſeful... John Capgrave in bis Le. tigheſt
enda Sanctorum Angliz, printed at Landon in 1516, collected 168 they m
lives of ſaints, all which, except 14, he copied verbatim from | Where:
of Tinmouth, ſays Leland in fo! Tinwoutbenſi: yet in Tinmoutk nd
&veral thipgs occur which are not found in Capgrave. e
4 * rained
f they Cc
/ layour
Mperc
(2) 1
penty |
(s
W Cod.
Dec, fd. 10. 8. MELCHIADES, Pope. 19g
wald he | $8 |
Lande DECEMBER X.
n he call e
religio St MELCHIADES, Pope,
9 — — From Euſ. 1 9 c. 9. St. Optat. I. 1. St. Aug. See Tillemont.
tery afte A. D. 314.
rs on the .
illiam of ae or MiLTIA DES, ſucceeded Euſebius
rave, and
quiſhed that tyrant, on the 28th of October, in 312, and
bon after iſſued edicts, by which he allowed Chriſtians
ntioned 8. de free exerciſe of their religion, and the liberty of
aremoutier, building churches. - To pacify the minds of the pagans
here. kt do were uneaſy at this innovation, when he arrived at
er, but Milan in the beginning of the year 313, he by a ſecond
t Faremou- 7 80 3 F313 J.
e, (. 4 d inſured to all religions except hereſies, liberty of
anſcience. Among the firſt laws which he enacted in
ed in dar of Chriſtians he paſſed one to exempt the clergy
— tam. the burden of civil offices. He obliged all his
ile in de dies to repeat on Sundays a prayer addreſſed to the
by the con-W we only God; and no idolater could ſeruple at ſuch a
8.1 Mchice. He aboliſhed the pagan feſtivals and myſte-
_ 2 in which lewdneſs had a ſhare. Unnatural impurity
which th being almoſt unreſtrained among the heathens, the Ro-
488. bob Mans when luxury and debauchery were arrived at the
in mg” bgheſt pitch among them, began to ſhun marriage, that
rag Rs liey might be more at liberty to follow their paſſions.
Taub Nbercupon Auguſtus was obliged by laws to encourage,
ad to command all men to marry, inflicting heavy pe-
nalties on the diſobedient. (1) The abuſes being re-
rained by the chriftian religion more effectually than
liey could have been by human laws, Conſtantine in
layour of celibacy, repealed the Poppæan law. This
ruperor allo made a law to puniſh adultery with death.
(2) The good pope rejoiced exceedingly at the proſ-
FIty of God's houſe, and by his zealous labours very
47 his Lex Julia, and Lex Poppza, (2) See Gothofred, |
heod, L. xi. Tit. 36.
n the ſee of Rome, being choſen on the 2d of July,
211, in the reign of Maxentius. Conſtantine van-
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"— RIS"
190 S. MELCHIADES, Pope. Dec. 10
much extended its pale: but he had the affliction to ſv
it torn by an inteſtine diviſion, in the Donatiſt ſchiſ
which blazed with great fury in Africa. Menſurius, bi
ſhop of Carthage, being falſely accuſed. of having deli
vered up the Hed ſcriptures to be burnt, in the time
of the perſecution, Donatus biſhop of Caſa-nigra i
Numidia, moſt. unreaſonably ſeparated himſelf from his
Dec. 10.
N. Melc
no ſat
mec (
us: is 7
Bede
Hled a
n prece
communion, and continued his ſchiſm when Cecilic This!
bad ſucceeded Menſurius in the ſee of Carthage, andi durch t
was joined by many jealous enemies of that good pre triumph
late, eſpecially by the powerful lady Lucilla, who was eity a
perſonally piqued againſt Cecilian whilſt he was deaconWſiclf, ir
of that . The ſchiſmatics appealed to Conſtan- I xaſon to
tine who was then in Gaul, and intreated him to com- tation, /
miſſion three Gauliſh biſhops whom they ſpecified, tofMyreſſures
judge their cauſe againſt Cecilian. The emperor grant-WMWrigion
ed them theſe judges they demanded, but ordered th turing tl
aforeſaid biſhops to repair to Rome, by letter intreatingMes, anc
pe Melchiades to examine into the controverſy, tg d help
ther with theſe Gauliſh biſhops, and to decide it accord-WMints the
ing to juſtice and equity. The emperor left to the hd grace
ſhops the deciſion of this affair, becauſe it regarded i ckedn-
biſhop, (3) Pope Melchiades opened a council in ted the af
Lateran palace on the ad of October, 313, at which bimitive
both Cecilian and Donatus of Caſa- nigra were preſent; ¶ ud othe
and the former was pronounced by the pope and bag the love «
council innocent of the whole charge that was brought Wb; Chrig
againſt him. Donatus of Caſa-nigra was the only perle, ane
ſon who was condemned on that occaſion : the other b- te heart
ſhops who had adhered to him, were allowed to keep
their ſees upon their renouncing the ſchiſm. St. Auſtn
ſpeaking of the moderation which the pope uſed, call
him an excellent min, a true ſon of peace, and à if
father of Chriſtians. Yet the Donatiſts after his deatl
had recourſe to their uſual arms of ſlander to aſperſe - plorabl
character, and pretended that this pope had m ad ambi
the ſcriptures into the hands of the perſecutors : d nlenſy1
St. Auſtin calls a groundleſs and malicious calum!): alen
. : | pirit
St. Aug. ep. 105. p. 299. & ep. 43. . 94. & in Brevic, Colt ty
ae? c. 1 K v4 2 2 0. T K. Opdt. L 1. P. 44 Ty
Dec. 108Mhec. 10. S. MELCHIADES, Pope. 191
on to ſe g Melchiades died on the ioth of January, 314, hav-
t ſchiſ np fat two years, ſix months and eight days, and was
rius, biMhuried on the Appian Road in the cemetery of Calix-
ng deli us: is named in the Roman martyrology, and in thoſe '
the tim Bede, Ado, Uſuard, &c. In fome calendars he is
nigra in dhed a martyr, doubtleſs on account of his ſufferings
from hi preceding perſecutions.
Cecilie This holy pope ſaw a door opened by the peace of the
age, and durch to the converſion of many, and he rejoiced at the
ood pte rumph of the croſs of Chriſt. But with worldly proſ-
who warty a worldly ſpirit too often broke into the ſanctuary
deacon tel; infomuch that the zealous paſtor had ſometimes
Conftan
maſon to complain with Iſaiah : Thou haſt multiplied the
to com-
un, and haſt not increaſed my joy. (4) Under the
ified, to peſſures of ſevere perſecution the true ſpirit of our holy
or grant lgion was maintained in many among its profeſſors
ered the ang the firſt ages; yet amidſt the moſt holy exam-
ntreatugg pes, and under the influence of the ſtrongeſt motives
nd helps, avarice and ambition inſinuated themſelves
t accord-WiWinto the hearts of ſome, who by the abuſe of the great-
o the b graces became of all others the moſt abandoned to
48 i cckedneſs: witneſs Judas the Apoſtate in the college
l in the the apoſtles; alſo ſeveral amongſt the diſciples of the
at which eimitive ſaints, as Simon Magus, Paul of Samolata,
| a others. But with temporal honours and affluence,
and hate love of the world, though moſt ſeverely condemned
s brought Wb) Chriſt as the capital enemy to his grace and holy
only pe! be, and the fource of all vicious paſſions, crept into
other b de hearts of many, to the utter extinction of the chriſ-
| to keep lan ſpirit in their fouls. This indeed reigns, and always
2 Vl reign, in a great number of choſen fouls, whoſe
ſed, Ca lives are often hidden from the world, but in whom God
nd 4 Y Wl always provide for his honour faithful ſervants on
- * and, who will praiſe him in ſpirit and truth. But fo
|
Plorable are the overflowings of ſenſuality, avarice,
nd ambition, and ſuch the lukewarmneſs and ſpiritual
alenſibility which have taken root in the hearts of man
| bine that the torrent of evil example and a wor!
7 pri ought to fill every one with alarms, and oblige
"7 one to hold faſt, and be infinitely upon his guard
(4) Iſa. ix. 3.
%
that he be not carrięd away by it. It is not the croud
that we are to follow, but the goſpel : and though tem-
poral goods and proſperity are a bleſſing, they ought ex-
tremely to rouze our attention, excite our watchtulnels,
and inſpire us with fear, being fraught with ſnares, and
by the abuſe which is frequently made of them, the ruin
of virtue,
Dec. 1.
Merid:
now Aa
pal dig
he praye
Cor. hyn
$$. Peter
tired life,
cred poer
his tho
1
compares
& with h
writer, nc
Horace 01
ole the |
Which ar
dynino 12
balvete fi
prefliong |
i" bila,
almoſt co]
His erudi;
fenias ſhi
cally his!
ferſificatio
ſometimes
trated fi
fuſtan age
On Tur SAE Day.
St, EvLAaLta, V. M. Prudentius (a) has celebrated
the triumph of this holy virgin, who was a native of
(a) AuxeLivs PaupenTiVvs CLemens, the glory of the anci-
ent chriſtian poets, was born in Spain in 348, (Pref. in hymn, in
Cathemer. p. 1.) not at Saragoſa, as Ceillier and ſome others mi-
take, (though he reſided there ſome time in quality of governor ;)
but at Calahorra, in Old Caſtile, (hymn. 1. de Cor. p. 116. & hynn,
18. v. 31,) After his childhood he ſtudied eloquence under a cele-
brated rhetorician, and according to the cuſtom” of the ſchools in
that age, learned to declaim upon all forts of ſubjects, and by pleac
ing to make a bad cauſe appear good : which kind of 3 he
afterward ſeverely condemned and repented of, as an art of diſguilng
the truth, and of lying. Iſocrate's panegyrics on Helena and Bulins,
ſhew this cuſtom to have been ancient in the ſchools of rhetoricins:
and Cicero mentions ſeveral inſtances of Gorgias, &c. (In Bruto, &
Orat. $ 8.) Prudentius deplores till more bitterly other irregulan'$
ties into which he had been betrayed in his youth. (Præf. in Cathen,
& hymn. 9. de Sanct. Calagurit.) He was made twice governor d
provinces and cities in Spain; after which he tells us, (Praf. in Ci. *
them.) that the clemency of the prince (Theodoſius I. or Honorivy x p
raifed him to the higheſt honours, and calling him to court, pls 4 of ©
him in rank and dignity next his own perſon : by which is gener! —
underſtood that he was created prefect of the prætorium. In this "Fri
diſtracted itation he ſuffered violent conflicts in his ſoul, being ſome- 6
times full of ſervout, and earneſtly defiring to ſerve God; ar other A _
times cooled by the diſſipation of the world, and the corrup!!0" ol fo
his own heart. '(Pſychom. ſub finem, v. 898, &c.) But when he * of
devoted himſelf with his whole heart to the divine ſervice, God an
r
came all his joy, he found no ſweetneſs but in him, no comet "8.
delight but in his Saviour. Thou art,” ſays he, „ the charming — fob
beauty, with whoſe chaſte love I burn, and in whom I find ren en
ſovereign pleaſure.” (Apoth. Carm. 4) When he quitted bis em wy Pr
. o bd ' E.
| 2 in order to renounce the world in the vigour of 15 u Rome f
c
|
took a journey to Rome about the year 405, and paſſing throug
Imola, embraced and watered with his tears the tomb of St. oa he oh, Sin
in bitter compunRion for his fins. (De Cor. hymn. 19. de 8. Calbandy wr
* * Ne *
At Rome he ſaw an infinite number of tombs of martyrs, 4 * aul —
Vor. XII
Dec. 10, WM Dec. 10. S. EULALIA,'V. M. 193
e croud BY Merida, then the capital city. of Luſitania in Spain,
gh tem- now a declining town in Eftremadura, the archiepiſco-
_ - pal dignity having been tranſlated io Compoſtela, Eu-
res, and
W. te prayed for the healing of the ſpiritual wounds of his ſoul. (De
tne ruin
Cor. hymn. 12. de 8. Hippolyto, &c.) He paſſed there the feaſt of
$$. Peter and Paul, (ib) and returning into Spain, there led a re-
tired life, and conſecrated his leiſure hours to the compoſition of ſa-
cred poems; for he wrote only on religious ſubjects, on which all
tis thoughts were employed. He has always been efteemed the moſt
karned of the chriltian poets. Sidonius Apollinaris, (l. 2. ep. 9.)
tompares his lyrics to the odes of Horace, who (if Phædrus be join-
ed with him) is the ſweeteſt; ſmootheſt, moſt poliſtied and elegant
writer, not only of the poets, but of all the claſſics. No verſes in
lebrated
1ative of
— Horace or any other poet, ſeem ſuperior to the ſtanzas which com-
1 — . joſe the hymns on the Holy Innocents in the office of the church,
overnot ;| which are taken from Prudentius on the Epiphany, (Cathemer,
bymno 12.) nothing can be finer than the ſimiles and other figures,
balvete flores, &c. Nothing ſofter or more beautiful than the ex-
freflions Pulud et coronts fuditis, &c. The hymns Nox et tentbr&+
„ & hymn.
Jer a cele-
yes hn M xbila; and Lux etce ſurgit aurea, &c. in the church office are
ibs moſt copied from our poet's morning hymn, (Cathem. hymno 2.
diſguilng His erudition is difplayed in his books againſt Symmachus; and hi
14 Bufirs fenias ſhines in the nrajeſty, fire, and elegance of his verſes, eſpe-
pane tally his lyries. Yet he is fometimes careleſs and incotrect in his
{erſifcation and the vigour of his ſpirit, ſentiment, and fancy
Bruto, ce ' | | is ti
ruto hartimes flags. Alſo the Latin language having in this time dege-
irregular
"Chen ed from its purity, he deviates from the ſtandard of the Au-
zernor ol guitan age in certain phraſes, and in the accents and quantities of
el. in m. an words, This defect is not lefs remarkable in Juvencus, the
dpaniſh prieſt, author of the poem On the Life of Chrift, in the
eign of Conſtantine the Great, whoſe verſes are alſo too naked of
Tmaments and elevation, the ſoul of poetry.
VEDULIUS, a prieſt (according to ſome a biſhop) in Italy, wrote 4
Hononus)
Ire, ar
general
oy this
eing ſome: alcira] poem on the miracles of Chritt, and ſome other pious com-
; at other Mltions, and flouriſhed under Theodoſius the Great; he is com-
ruption dl nended for correctneſs and purity of language, and for ſtrength and
jen he had wjelty of ſtyle 3 yet falls ſhort of Prudentius. The Latin church
„ God be. nierted in the office for Chriſtmas-day and the Epiphany, hymns
-omſort a e dded trom one of Seduliuss poems; and Bede afcribes to him the
charming Jan A ſolis ortus cardine, &c. According to Trithemius and others,
d true — was 4 Scot from Ireland, an eminent poet, orator, and di-
d bis en . n : who for the love of learning left bis native country, travelled
EN e ance, Italy and Aſm, and at length came to be in high eſteem
ig through 12 me for his t accompliſhments. (Trithem. de Script. Eccl.
St, Catan J Sr Sen. Bibl, facr.) This is alſo ſupported by Uſher and
Cabin * writers. See Antiq. Brit. c. 16. Colgan, Act. SS. p. 320.
1 - Tags P'7. &c. He is not to be confounded with another
N x. 8 che younger, who lived in the eighth century, wrote
355 l. O on
4 EX A
- —
W *
—
2
194 S. EULALIA, V. M.
on St. Paul's epiſtles, and was preſent at a council held in Rome by
pope Gregory II. He was afterward made a biſhop in Spain, where
It is ſaid he wrote a hiſtory of the ancient Iriſh, Harris and others
tell us that his MS. written on parchment in the Gothic character,
was in the poſſeſſion of Sir John Higgins, counſellor of ſtate and firſ
1 to Philip V. See Uſher, loc. cit. Ware, p. 47. &c. allo
eillier, T. 10. p. 632.
Prudentius in his Fhcomachia, or combat of the ſoul againſt
vice, celebrates the victory of faith over infidelity, of purity over
luſt, of patience over anger, of pride over humility, of temper-
ance over gluttony, of almſdeeds over covetouſneſs, and of con-
cord over enmity. His Cathemerinon (or book of hymns for every
day) conſiſts of hymns of prayer and praiſe for different times
of the day, viz, for morning, night, before and after meals, fal-
days, after faſt-days, for Chriſtmas, Epiphany, the lighting of a
candle, funerals, &c. Apotbeoſes is the title which Prudentius gue
to his poem in defence of the Deity and the divine attributes. It s
a conſutation of the idolaters, and of the principal hereſies which
erred chiefly concerning the Godhead, Chriſt, and the reſurtecdion.
Againſt the Marcionites who eſtabliſhed an evil Firſt Principle, he
compoſed his Amariigenia, or book on the birth or origin of fin,
which he ſhews to ſpring from the perverſity of the will of a free
creature. In the cloſe of this book he makes an humble confeſſion
that he deſerved all manner of chaſtiſements from a juſt God, and
earneſtly prays for mercy, and that whilſt others are called to higl
crowns ot glory, he may be purified by the mildeſt punithment. |
Symmachus, in his petition for the reſtoration of the idol of we.
tory, preſented ſucceſſively to Gratian, Valentinian II. and Theor
doſius, in 382, 384, and 388, had failed of ſucceſs, his deſign be-
ing always defeated by the zeal of St. Ambroſe. The army of Ho-
norius commanded by Stilico, in 403, vanquiſhed Alaric the Got)
near Pollentia, in Liguria; the Roman ſoldiers began the battle I
making the ſign of the croſs on their foreheads, and the enſign of
Chriſt (that is, the figure of the croſs, on the firſt banner) was
carried before the legions. (Prudent. 1. 2. adv, N 7109
Our poet took hence occaſion to write two books againſt dy,
machus, which are a fpirited, learned, and elegant confutation
idolatry, In the concluſion he exhorts Honorius to abol
combats of the gladiators, and not ſuffer crimes and murders ®
ſerve for paſtime and pleaſure; as his father Theodoſius had ſor
bid the leſs criminal combats of bulls. Honorius ſoon after «ie
tually put an end to thoſe inhuman diverſions. The Enchiridion ©
Prudentius is an abridgment of the facred hiſtory in verſe, whe
had before been the ſubject of the poems of Juvencus aud
live, The
| Dec. 10.
lalia deſcended from one of the beit families in Spain,
was educated in the chriſtian religion, and in ſenti-
ments of perfect piety, from her intancy diſtinguiſhed
Dec. 10.
terſelf by
nd devo!
duginity,
The mof
qa the crov
the ca ned
ervation 01
tele hywin
leyed that |
tun Proteſ.
re fuſt cer
that the ſa
bt have f.
ach, ſince
krudentius
yrs of Cale
ert come
whole Wo-
ler, auh
bere pure /
teiving a,
jy, bavin
Intercede /
vain, I
Dec. 19,
n Spain,
in ſenti.
guiſhed
1 Rome by
ain, Where
nd others
character,
te and firſt
. &c. allo
ul again
purity over
ff tempet-
1d of con-
for every
rent times
eals, ſall-
ating of a
ntius gave
tes. It s
es which
ſurreCtion,
nciple, be
zin of fn,
of a free
confeſſion
futation
boliſh the
jurders [0
had for
fter effec-
iridion 6
rſe, which
and dedu-
The
u te crowns of martyrs, conſiſting of fourteen hymn.
he. 8. ZUEA TIA V. N. 195
terſelf by an admirable ſweetneſs of temper, modeſty,
ad devotion, thewed a great love of the holy ſtate of
agiaity, and by her ſeriouſneſs and her contempt of
The moſt famous work of Prudentius is his book ws osParey, or
Le Clerc,
the (cained French Proteſtant critic, p. 310. makes the following ob-
krvation on this work: “It clearly appears from ſeveral places in
bele hymns, that Chriſtians prayed to martyrs at that time, and be-
led that hey were appointed patrons of ſome places by God. Cer-
un Proteſtant writers, who fancy that the tradition of the four or
he fult centuries ought to be joined with the ſcripture, have denied
that the ſaints were prayed to in the fourth century. But they ſhould
Wt have framed a notional ſyſtem before they were well inſtructed in
ls, fince they may be convinced of this by ſeveral places out of
Iradentius. Thus in the firſt bymn which is in praiſe of two mar-
hrs of Calahorra, he ſays, v. 10. Exteri necnon et orbis, &c. Stran-
kern come bither in crouds, becauſe fame has publiſhed through the
whole world that the patrons of the world (Patronos Mundi) are
lere, whoſe favour may be ſought by prayers, No body ever offered
tre pure ſupplications in vain, Whoever came to pray to them, per-
(aving all bis holy requeſts were granted bin, went away full of
y, baving wiped away his tears, Theſe martyrs are ſo ſolicitous 10
mtercede for us, that they ſuffer not that they ſhould be prayed to in
van. Whether it be done with a loud or a low voice, they hear it,
as report it to the ears of the Eternal King. Thence plentiful gifts
Jo bountifully from the fountain itſelf on earth, .. . Chriſt never de-
Wed any thing to bis martyrs, Thoſe who deſire more proofs,
lys Le Clerc, need only read Hymn ii. v. 457. iii. 311. iv. 175,
196. v. 548. ix. 97. x. 139. xiv, 124.” The works of St. Paulinus,
i. Ambro e, St. ſerom, St. Auſtin, K. Baſil, St. Chryſoſtom, &c. de-
Wltrate this to have been the doctrine and practice of the church
u the fourth and fifth ages. Le Clerc alſo takes notice that Pruden-
dun complaing, that time and the malice of the idolaters had de-
Yed abundance of Acts of Mattyrs. Hymn. i, v. 73. and that he
Rome was full of the tombs of martyrs. Hymn ii. v. 541.
72 A. v. 158. The ſame ctitic obſerves, p. 316. that the euſtom
d bling churches with images was practiſed in Italy in Prudentius's
une, as is clear from his Hymn ix. on St. Caſſian (v. 9.) and Hymn.
—— Sr. Hippolytus, v. 123. On this latter paſſage Le Clerc makes
dllowing remark : © It ought to be obſerved, that upon that
* there was a table, or an altar, on which they celebrated the
hatiſt, (v. 170.) ſo that the image was placed preciſely upon the
ur where they are wont to place images now in the church of
116 iy Le Clerc, Lives of Primitive Fathers, in Prudentius, p.
Prudentivs mentions with great reſpe& the ſign of the croſs, the
vent uſe of which he ſtrongly recommends, as chafing away in-
ul tends (Cathem, hymno yi. v. 129, 133, Kc.) In deſcribing the
1" Labarum
" =
196 8. EULAL IA, A. Dec. 10,
Dec. 1e
dreſs, ornaments, diverſions, and worldly company, ges u
gave early proofs of her ſincere deſire to lead on ear de vor
an heavenly life. Her heart was raiſed above the word bring t
before ſhe was thought capable of knowing it, ſo that itʒi ind ca
amuſements, which uſually fill the minds of young per. WM be
ſons, bad no charms for her, and every day of her He this yo
made an addition to her virtues. . ad trat
She was but twelve years old when the bloody * thetc
edicts ol 'Dioclehan. were iſſued, by which it was of- imple
dered that all perſons; without exception of age, ſex od, as
Profeſſion, ſhould. be compelled to offer ſacrifice to the . to
gods of the empire. Eulalia, young as ſhe was, toch . de inf.
the publication of this order for the ſignal of battle; but which v
her mother obſerving her impatient ardour for mattyt ner
dom carried her into the countty. The faint found b as tc
means to make her eſcape by night, and after much f be calle
tigue arrived at Merida before break of day. As ſoon lighted |
as the court ſat, the fame morning ſhe preſented herſc der wh
before the cruel judge, whoſe name was Dacianus, and teard fi
reproached him with, impiety in attempiing to deſtroy] *"gth c
ſouls, by compelling them to renounce the only ted the
God. The governor commanded her to be ſeized, a «2tivs
fitſk employing careſſes, reprefented to her the advaty — r
| ma
br (01
A great
Mere it
mrtyr
Vas eare
Labarum or military enſign, inſtituted by Conſtantine, he mention
that a crals was wrought in the banner, or painted upon. the fag
ſtreamer, and alſo. that a figure ot the croſs in ſolid gold was ſet ups
the ſhaft. (in Symmach. I. 1. v. 466, 488.) The belt editions 0
Pruddentius 's works are thoſe of Weitzins, Nich. Heinſius, Cellar
Elzevir, and F. Chamillard for the uſe of the Dauphin of France.
_ . The molt perfect ſentiments of-Chriſtian virtue are expreſſed ef her |
his poems ; and Eraſmus declares that for the ſanctity and ſacred em erected o
dition which. are diſplayed. in his writings, he deſerves to be rar kad dar
among the graveſt.doQors of the church. Prudentius wrote h Gr * wh
themerinon in the fifty-ſeventh year of bis age, as he declares in hs te his
-prejace;, in which he enymerates all his other works, except the Een.
chiridion. How long he ſurvived is uncertain. Eccleſiaſtical uren ber bones
and ſome compilers of the lives of ſaints,. give him the. title of fail them,
though bis name accurs not in the. mariyrologies, See his works, her d. ar
the.notes- collected by Weitzius, Cellarius, and F. Chamillard: at len
his life compiled by Aldus Minutius, George Fabricius, Le on A Oviede
amongſt his Primitive Fathers, p. 281, ,'Baillet, 25th Augub, ro. Roman
lier, . 17. p. 66. He. is not to be confounded with St, Pu By Decer
| tius, biſhop of Troyes, who died in 864. and is. bonoured on the fn
ef April. NVU
%
bib. 8. E UL ALI A, d. M. 197
Dec. 10. .
mpany, WM tags which her birth, youth, and fortune gave her in
n earch the world, and the grief which her diſobedience would
e world bring. to her parents. Then he had recourle to threats,
that ite and cauſed the moſt dreadful inftruments of torture
ing per- be placed before her eyes, ſaying to her: „“ All
her He this you ſhall eſcape if you will but touch a little ſalt
ud trankincenſe with the tip of your finger.” Provoked
bloody theſe ſeducing flatteries, ſhe threw down the idol,
was or vampled upon the cake which was laid for the ſacrifice,
„ ſex or and, as Prudentius relates, ſpit at the judge: an action
aal to be excuſed by her youth and inattention under
the influence of a warm zeal, and fear of the ſnares
which were laid for her. At the judge's order two exe-
eutioners began to tear her tender ſides with iron hooks,
b as to leave the very bones bare. In the mean time
much f de called the ſtrokes ſo many trophies of Chriſt. Next
As or "ghted torches were applied to her breaſts and ſides; un-
d her which torment, inftead of groans, nothing was
nus, and hard from her mouth but thankſgivings. The fire at
» deſtroy ngth catching her hair, ſurrounded her head and face,
nly tre ad the faint was ſtifled by the ſmoke and flame. Pru-
zed, and ities tells us, that a white dove ſeemed to come out
e adh ber mouth, and to wing its way upwards when the
| ly martyr expired: at which prodigy the executioners
Were ſo much terrified, that they fled and left the body.
e to the
as, took
tle; but
martyt-
1t found
1e mention
5 = A great ſnow that fell, covered it and the whole forum
'as
Mere it lay: which circumſtance ſhews that the holy
mrtyr ſuffered in winter. The treaſure of her relioks
editions
3, Cellaril
France earefully entombed by the Chriſtians near the place
ery” der martyrdom : "afterward a ſtately church was
** "arkel "ted on the ſppt, and the relicks were covered by the
Mar which was raiſed over them, before Prudentius
rote bis
dates in E te his hymn on the holy martyr in the fourth cen;
pt the B wh He aflures us that . pilgrims came to venetate
19 6 65 — and that ſhe near the throne of God beholds
te and being made propitious by hymns, protects
gillard: 4 clients.“ Her relicks are kept with great veneratiou
8, be 5 n Oviedo, where ſhe is honoured as patroneſs. 'The
ug er martyrology mentions her name on the 1oth
d on the n 4 December. Ses Prudentius De Cor. hymno 9, alias
o * 0 .
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198 s. DAM AS Us, Pope, C. Dec. 1
3. de S. Eulalia; and F. Thomas ab Incarnatione Hif
Eccleſiæ Luſitanæ, ſac. 4. c. 6. p. 217. (b) |
; Another St. EuLALIA, V. M. at Barcelona is men
tioned by Ado, Uſuard, &c. but we have no authenti
acts of her martyrdom.
D/ ECM BR xt
St. DAMASU Ss, Pope, C.
From his works, St. Jerom, Rufin, and Anaſtaſius in the Pontibe
See Tillemont, T. 8. p. 386. Ceillier, T. 6. p. 455. Abbat
Anton. Merenda, in the new edition of this pope's works, whicl
he publiſhed at Rome, in folio, Anno 1754, in which he gig
the life of this pope in Annals. Ls
A. D. 384. Damaſi
P | | = ſhop of
OPE Damaſus is ſaid in the Pontifical to have b otherwi
a Spaniard; which may be true of his extraction: bu fore hi
Tillemont and Merenda ſhew that he ſeems to have bee me m
born at Rome. His father, whole name was Antony Damaſi
either after the death of his wife, or by her free conſen acroud
engaged himſelf in an eccleſiaſtical ſtate, and was lug Sicir
ceſſively reader, deacon, and prieſt of the title or paring Mary N
church of; St. Laurence in Rome, Damaſus ſerved Wl Tivoli,
the ſacred miniſtry in the ſame church, and always veal Rome,
in a perfect ſtate of continence, as St. 2 aſſures three bj
When Liberius was. baniſhed by Conſtantius to BerT4 acient
in 355, he was archdeacon of the Roman church, u t be o.
attended him into exile, but immediately returned , ud Ti
Rome. Liberius at length was prevailed upon to lign —
85
(5) The leſſons of the church of Oviedo, and the acts of St. Ee into ex
lalia's martyrdom ſay ſhe was only twelve years old, and that another tried
koly virgin named Julia ſuffered with her: alſo that ſhe ſuffered #9 with D.
ments and death under Calpurnianus Dacian's lieutenant at 12
Some object, that only the proconſul could pronounce a capital 85 ſeged t
tence, as the emperor Conſtantius declares. Leg. unica cod. 7 and a |
Proconſ. & Legat. and as the lawyer Venuleius Saturninus ſhews, — kven pe
11. ff. de officio Pronconſ. & Legati. But the lawyers Paulus and! —
ponius tell us, that proconſuls could by a ſpecial mandate 2 — (1) Sir
miſſion delegate to a lieutenant ſuch a juriſdiction. Leg: 14 l. ; (3) See x]
de officio Procon. (4) Lucif,
Dec. 11M Dec. 11. S. DAMASUS, Pope, C. 199
one Hit con feſſion of faith in which the word Conſubſtantial was
omitted. After his return from baniſhment he conſtantly
a bed communion with St. Athanaſius, as is clear from
a i men nat holy man's letter to the biſhops of Egypt in 360.
authent He condemned and annulled the decrees of the council
of Rimini by a letter which he wrote to thoſe biſhops,
mentioned by Siricius. (1) Liberius, after this, lay hid
ſome time in the vaults of the cemeteries, for fear of the
perſecutors, as we learn from Sozomen, (2) Proſper in his
C. chronicle, (z) Lucifer of Cagliari, (4) . — in
the life of ulius. Thus he repaired the fault which
7 he had —— by his ſubſcription. All this time
orks, which Demaſus had a great ſhare in the government of the
ch he gol church, and doubtleſs animated the zeal of the pope.
Liberius died on the 24th of September, 366, and
Damaſus, who was then ſixty years old, was chofen bi-
ſhop of Rome, and ordained in the balilic of Lucina,
1ave b otherwiſe called St. Laurence's, which title he bore be-
tion : bull fore his pontificate, Soon after, Urſinus, called by
1ave been ſome moderns Urſicinus, who could not bear that St.
Anton Damaſus ſhould be preferred before him, got together
conſenii¶ 2 croud of diſorderly and ſeditious people in the church
| was [uo of Sicin, commonly called the Liberian baſilic, now St.
or par Mary Major, and perſuaded Paul, biſhop of Tibur, now
ſerved i Tivoli, a dull ignorant man, to ordain him biſhop of
ays lie Rome, contrary to the ancient canons, which require
flures three biſhops for the ordination of a biſhop; and to the
to Bete acient cuſtom of the Roman church, whole biſhop was
uch, na v be conſecrated by the biſhop of Oſtia, as Baronius
urned VEG ud Tillemont obſerve. Juventius, prefect of Rome,
to [gn 1 baniſhed Urſinus, and ſome others of his party. Seven
prieſts who adhered to him were ſeized, to be carried
of 1 mo exile; but were reſcued by their partizans, and
*-red . dried to the Liberian baſilic. The people that fided
it Merc WY th Damaſus came together with ſwords and clubs, be-
-apital - the baſilic to deliver theſe men up to the preſect,
an nd a fight enſued, in which one hundred and hirty-
and Pom en perſons were killed, as Ammianus Marcellinus (5)
T (g) Sircius, ep. ad Himer. Terrac. (2) Soz. I. 4. c. 11. & 19.
this chronicle publiſhed entire by Caniſius ed. Baſnag. I. 1.
(4) Lucifer ady, Conſtantium. (5) Auuniag. I. 27. c. 3. |
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200 3. DAMASUS, Pope, C. Dee. 1
and St. Auſtin (6) relate. In September the following
year 367, the emperor Valentinian allowed Urſinus to
Dec. 11.
regard t.
exagger:
(6) S. Aug. Brevic. Collat. c. 16: St. Hier. in Chon, a5. 305
(7) Kuf. I. 4. hilt, c. 10. (8) Ambr. ep. 14. (9) Ia Chron. &c.
return to Rome; but on account of new tumults, in nary en!
November baniſhed him again, with ſeven accomplices Howeve
into Gaul. The ſchiſmatics ſtill kept poſſeſſion of A tainly tt
church, probably that of St. Agnes without the walls, Wi textatus
and held aſſemblies in the cemeteries. , But Valentinian WM prefect
| ſent an order for that church to be put into the hands of biſhop «
Damaſus ; and Maximin, a magyſtrate of the city, a Power £
man naturally inclined to cruelty, put ſeveral (chiſmatics ind a 0
to the torture. Rufin clears Damaſus of any way con- fuch thi
curring to, or approving of ſuch barbarous proceedings, WW men wh
and the ſchiſmatics fell into the ſnare they had laid tor MF riches ii
him, (9) by which it ſeems that they demanded an in- inftrum
quiry to be made by the rack, which turned to their WW this He:
own confuſion and chaſtiſement. It appears by certain WI recomn
verſes of pope Damaſus that he had made a vow to Gd &&{erve:
in honour of certain martyrs, to engage their interceſſon WW the gre
for the converſion of ſome of the clergy, who continued WW gainſt
obſtingte in the ſchiſm : and that theſe clergymen being Rome
converted to the unity of the church, in gratitude adom- WW it had
ed, at their own expence, the tombs of theſe martyr. Wi fncere
By the ſame poem we learn, that the warmeſt abetton Wl 370, \
of the cauſe of Urſinus, after ſome time, ſincerely fu- WW <ccieh1a
mitted to Damaſus. His election was both anterior in or lega
time, and in all its circumſtances regular; and was de- dreiled
clared ſuch by a great council held at Aquileia, in 38, © tre
compoſed of the moſt holy and eminent biſhops of the N eve fi
Weſtern church; and by a council at Rome in 378, u This e
both which the acts of violence are imputed to the fury WW church
of Urlinus, St. Ambroſe, (8) St. Jerom, (9) St. Aut the ſar
tin, Rufin, and others bear teſtimony to the demeano!, lome 1
and to the due election of Damaſus. + + Wa to the
Ammianus Marcellinus, the famous Pagan hiftorun duty.
of thoſe times, ſays, that the chariots, rich clothes, and queſt «
ſplendid feaſting of the biſhops of Rome, whole u. kaſt it
bles ſurpaſſed thoſe of kings, were a tempting object i agreea
ambition; and wiſhes they would imitate the plain n ma
of ſome prelates in the provinces, Herein, at leaſt vil ;
Dec. 11
ollowing
rſinus to
nults, in
mplices,
on of a
e walls,
entinian
hands of
city, 2
11{marics
ay con-
eedings,
| laid for
d an in-
to their
certain
to God
erceſhon
"ntinued
en being
e adom-
martyrs
abetton
S. DAMAS Us, Pope, C. 201
regard to the table, there is doubtleſs .a great deal of
exaggeration and ſpleen; though ſometimes extraordi-
nary entertainments were probably given by the church.
However, ſome appearance of pomp and ſtate was cer-
winly then made, fince, as St. Jerom reports, (10, Pree-
textatus, an eminent Pagan ſenator, Who was afterward
prefect of Rome, ſaid to pope Damaſus: Make me
biſhop of Rome, and I will be a Chriſtian to- morrow .*
power alone is a ſnare to ambitions and worldly” men;
and a danger inſeparable from exalted ſtations: yet all
ſuch things are rather an object of dread to thole clergy-
men whole hearts are diſengaged from the world: and
nches in their hands are only the patrimony of Chriſt,
mntraments of charity. The reflection, however, of
this Heathen ſhews how neceſſary chnſtian modeſty is to
recommend the ſpirit of the goſpel, Damaſus certainly
dl{erved not to fall under his cenſure. ' For Sr. Jerom,
the great admirer of this holy pope, ſeverely inveighs
wminſt the luxury and ſtate which ſome eccleſiaſtics at
Rome affected, (11) which he would never have done if
it had been a fatire on his patron ; at leaſt he was too
lncere to have continued his admirer. Moreover, in
yo, Valentinian, to repreſs the ſcandalous” conduct of
eocleſiaſties, who perſuaded perſons to bequeath eſtates
or legacies to the church, in prejudice of their heirs, ad-
dreſled a law to Damaſus, forbidding the clergy or monks
t frequent the houſes of orphans and widows, or to re-
cave from them any gift, legacy, or feoffment in truſt,
This edit pope Damaſus cauſed to be read in all the
churches of Rome, and he was very ſevere in putting
the ſame in execution, ſo as to give great offence to
me unworthy perſons, who on that account went over
o the ſchiſmatics; but ſome time after returned to their
duty. Baronius thinks this law was enacted at the re-
queſt of the pope, becauſe it was addreſſed to him. At
it was certainly approved by him, and was not leſs
agreeable to him than juſt in itſelf.” It appears by St.
Damaſus's fifteenth poem, that having eſcaped all dan-
Dec. 11.
(10) St. Hier. ep. 64, ad Panimach- c. 3. | (11) Ibid. ©
4% N
202 S. DAMASUS, Pope, C. Dec. 11
ban the comments of fanatics upon the divine prophecies.
Dec. 11.
gers and perſecutions, (12) in thankigiving he made ade ſe
pilgrimage to St. Felix's ſhrine at Nola, and there bund ſhop of
up this votive poem, and performed his devotions (1) Wl forbad |
Alrianiſm reigned in the Eaſt under the protection of riules ©
Valens, though vigorouſly oppoſed by many pillars of verſe o
orthodoxy, as St. Athanaſius, St. Baſil, &c. In thai vhich :
Weſt it was confined to Milan and Pannonia. Utte: li hexame
to extirpate it in that part of the world, pope Damaſus,M the poi
In a council at Rome in 268, condemned Urſacius andi St. At
Valens, famous Arian biſhops in Pannonia; and in but the
another in. 370, Auxentius of Milan. The ſchiſm off wrote
Antioch fixed the attention of the whole church. Me-W thor, 1:
letius had been ordained upon the expulſion of St. Eu- Rome
ſtathius, whom the Arians had baniſhed: Paulinus ws WM cbſtina
acknowledged by the zealous Catholics, called Euſtathi-W from t
ans, becauſe during the life of St. Euſtathius they would anathe
admit no other biſhop. St. Baſil, and other Orientals hereſ1a
being well informed of the orthodox faith of St. Mele His ca
tius, adhered to him: but Damaſus, with the Weſter had ne
prelates, held communion with Paulinus, ſuſpecting the WW en tl
orthodoxy of Meletius on account of the doubtful prin- ſuch 2
ciples of ſome of thoſe by whom he was advanced o bim i
the ſee. Notwithſtanding this diſagreement, theſe pre- WW viuch
lates were careful to preſerve the peace of Chriſt with ſeſb;
one another. The hereſy of Apollinarius or Apollinars bunte
cauſed a greater breach. Apollinarius, the father, taught ſume 1
grammar firſt at Berytus, afterward at Laodicea in Sym, Was n
where he married, and had a fon of the fame name, the le
who was brought up to learning, had a good genius That
well improved by ſtudies, and taught rhetoric 10 the ſible,
fame town: and both embracing an eccleſiaſtical ſtate, Was 1
the father was prieſt, and the fon reader in that church _
c
(12) Carm. 15. p. 230. See Muratori, Not. in Carm, Paulini il. rors a
2 1. & dil. 18, Ferrarius De Nol. Cœmet. c. 10. Merenda a. of hi
308. p. 15. 5 ' |
b (a) The emperor Gratian, in 378, paſſed ſeveral laws in favour of 7
the authority of biſhops, and remitted to the pope the deciſion © ex.
the cauſes of all biſhops. Newton (in Daniel Prophet. c. 8. and n berel
Apoe. C 3.) pretends this law to have been the original of the papa) (013
authority, and the eleventh horn of Daniel, which is to precede the 10013
day of judgment. Nothing ean be more contradictory or more abſuid —
Dec. 11
made
ere hung
NS. (1)
tection 0
pillars of
In the
Uttei]
Damalus,
acius and
and in
ſchiſm o
h. Me-
f St. Eu-
nus was
Euſtathi-
y would
rientals,
t. Mele-
Weſtern
ting the
ul prin-
inced to
neſe pre-
riſt with
ollinans
, taught
n Sym,
e name,
| genius
io the
1] ſtate,
church
aulini vi.
-enda an.
favour of
ciſion of
and in
he papa]
cede the
e abſuid
Dec. 11.
a the ſame time.
hop of Laodicea in 362. When Julian the Apoſtate
fo;bad Chriſtians to read the claſſics, the two Apollina-
ruſes compoſed very beautiful hymas in all torts of
rerſe on the ſacred hiſtory and other pious ſubjects;
which are loſt, except a paraphraſe on the Plalms in
hexameter _ verſe.
S. DAMASUS, Pope, C. 202
The younger of theſe was choſen bi-
ln theſe poems they began to ſcatter
the poiſon of certain errors, which were condemned by
dt. Athanaſius, in his council at Alexandria in 360,
but the author was not then known.
St. Athanaſius
wrote againſt theſe errors, without naming the au-
thor, in 362. In the council which Damaſus held at
Rome in 374, the ſame conduct was obſerved. But the
obſtinacy of the biſhop Apollinarius appearing incurable,
from that time his name was no longer ſpared; it was
anathematized firſt by pope Damaſus at Rome. The
hereſiarch lived to a great age, and died in his impiety.
His capital errors couſiſted in this, that he ſaid Chrift
had not aſſumed a human underſtanding ( or ſoul) but
enly the fleſh, that is, the body and a ſenſitive foul,*
ſuch as beaſts have; and that the canned - was to
him inſtead of a ſoul or human underſtanding: for
which he inſiſted upon thoſe words, the Word was made
ſeſb; and he pretended that the human ſoul being the
fountain of fin, it was not fitting that Chriſt ſhould aſ-
ſume it. In this erroneous ſyſtem it followed that Chriſt
was not made man, having only taken upon him a body,
the leaſt part of human nature. Apollinarius alſo taught,
That the body of Chriſt came from heaven, was impaſ-
ſible, and deſcended into the womb of the Virgin Mary,
was not born or formed of her: alſo that Chriſt only
ſuffered and died in appearance: (13) He likewiſe re-
vived the Millenarian hereſy, and advanced certain er-
rrs about the Trinity. His followers choſe Vitalis, one
of his diſciples, biſhop of their ſect at Antioch, and
called Timothy, another of his diſciples, patriarch of
Alexandria, The decrees of pope Damaſus againſt this
ereſiarch were received in a council held at Alexandria,
(13) 8. Greg. Naz. ep. ad Cledon. p. 747. & Or. 52. St. Epiph
— 5 Baſil, ep. 293. p. 1060. eodoret, Hiſt. I. 5. c. 10. : So
504 S. DAMASUS, Pope, C.
Conſtantinople in 381.
lllyricum in that age compriſed all Greece and fe.
veral other provinces near the Danube. The emperor
yielded up Eaſter
Wyricum, that is, Greece and Dacia, to the Faſten
empire: the popes maintained that this country ſtill be.
longed to the Weſtern patriarchate, and reſerved 9
themſelves the confirmation of its biſhops and other ps.
St. Damaſus appointed St. Aſchoſius
heflalonica (who frequently preſerved Mace.
rom the Goths with no other arms but his prayer)
Gratian, in favour of Theodoſius,
triarehal rights.
r of
don
his vicar over thoſe churches; and in a letter to him,
which is yet extant, gave him ſtrict charge to be watth-
ful that nothing ſhould be done in the church of Con-
ſtantinople prejudicial to the faith, or againſt the canons;
and he condemned the illegal intruſion of Maximus the
Cynic into that important ſee. When Nectarius wi
choſen archbiſhop of Conſtantinople, Theodoſius ſent de.
puties to Rome, to intreat pope Damaſus to confirm his
election. (14) When St. Jerom accompanied St. Ep-
phanius and St. Paulinus of Antioch to Rome, . Dams
ſus detained him till his death, three years after, near |
his perſon, employing him in quality of ſecretary, to
Write his letters, and anſwer conſultations. This pope,
Who was himſelf a very learned man, and well (killed
in the holy ſcriptures, encouraged St. Jerom in his ſtu-
dies. That ſevere and holy doctor calls him“ An en
vellent man ;” (15) and in another place, (16) * An
ieomparable perſon, learned in the ſcriptures, a virgit
doctor of the virgin church, who loved chaſtity, and
heard its elogiums with pleaſure.” Theodoret calls him
the celebtated Damaſus, (17), and places him at tht
| head of the famous doctors of divine grace in the L.
tin church. (18) The Oriental biſhops in 431 profeb,
that they follow the holy example of Damalus, Bali],
Athanaſius, 'Ambroſe, and others who have been em.
(14) Boniſacius ep. ad epiſc Macedon. Cone. T. 4. p. 79 1 2
Hier. ep. ad Euſtoch. (46) Id. ep. 30. p. 240.
ret, ep. 144 (18) Ep. 145.
Dee. 11,
in another at Anttoch, and in che general council at
Dec. IIs”
nent for
cedon ſt
glory of
ious bs
al things
This |
St. Laure
hciated «
from St.
panting
bundred
paten of
of ten p
pounds
elght po
pounds
that we
dt. Dan
tican vw
and he
martyrs
taphs 1
extant,
which
gance
90
(21) Ad
00 a
12
rot
N, Mark
renda
d. C0
ol weigh
Which! |
The po
very litt
and fee;
drabs,
taſius .
additio!
l, nie
ſhe b
Dec. 11,
uncil at
and ſe.
emperor
Eaſtem
Eaſtern
ſtill be.
rved to
ther pa.
(cholins
1 Mace.
prayers)
to him,
- watths
of Con-
canoss;
nus the
ius Wis
ſent de.
irm his
t. Epi-
Dams-
T, near
ary, t0
s pope,
Killed
1s ſtu-
An ex-
„ An
Virgin
Y, an
Is him
at the
he La-
xrofels,
Baſil,
1 emi-
(15)%
heodo-
Dec. 11
S. DAM AS Us, Pope, C. 205
rent for their learning. The general council of Chal-
don ſtyles Damalus, for his piety, the honour and
gory of Rome. (19) Theodoret fays, He was illuſ-
nous by his holy life, and ready io preach, and to do
l things in defence of the apoſtolic doctrinc.“ (20)
This pope rebuilt, or at leaſt repaired the church of
d. Laurence near Pompey's Theatre, where he had of-
fciated after his father, and which to this day is called
from St, Laurence in Damaſo. He beautified it with
paintings of ſacred hiſtory, which were remaining four.
hundred years afterward; (21) He preſented it with a
paten of ſilver weighing fifteen pounds, a wrought veſſel
of ten pounds d 0 an ſilver chalices, weighing three
pounds each, five ſilver ſconces to hold, wax lights, of
eight pounds each, and candleſticks of braſs, of ſixteen
pounds weight. He -alfo ſettled upon it ſeveral houles
that were near the church, and a piece of land. (22)
d. Damaſus likewiſe drained. all the, ſprings of the Va-
tican which ran over the bodies that were buried there,
ad he, decorated the ſepulchres of a great number of
martyrs in the cemeteries, and adorned them with epi-
uphs in verſe, of which a collection of almoſt forty is
extant, (3) Some of theſe belong not to him: thoſe
which are his work, are diſtinguiſhed, by a peculiar ele-
gance and elevation, and juſtify the commendatiog
(19) Cone, T. 4. p. 825. (20) Theodorer! Hiſt. I. 5, c. 2.
(21) Adrian. 1. ep. Cone. T. 7. (22) Anaft. in Pontif. "wy
(b) The epitaphs on St. Maur (a child martyred a little before St.
bryſanthus), on St. Paul, SS. Marcellinus and Peter, St. Saturninus,
- Protus and Hyacinthus, St Laurence, St. Marcellus, St. Euſebius,
„Mark pope, St. Kutychius, &c. are acknowledged to be his. Me-
enda (p. 1.36.) confirms the conjecture of Volizus, Colomeſius, and
a Cave, who upon the authority of good MSS. and other arguments
weight, attribute to pope Damaſus the ſmall pious Chriſtian poems
Which" have been printed among the' works of Claudian the poet.
he pontifical which bears the name of Damaſus certainly derives
very little, if any thing, from his pen, is written in a low flat ſtyle,
anc ſeems the Work of ſeveral hands. It is quoted by Walafridus
_—_ Bede, Kabanus Mautus, &c. conſequent!y ig older than Anal-
= the Bibliothecarian; though it perhaps received from him fore
additions. See on this Pontifical Orſi, Berti, and Fabricius in Biblioth.
| med. &1nfim, ætat. His forty Latin pieces of poetry ate repub-
by Mattaire-in his Corpus Poetarum, | e
of
*
206 s. DAMASUS, Pope, C. Dee. n,
which St. Jerom gives to his poetical genius. In the
few letters of this pope which we have in the editions of
the councils, out of the great number which he wrote,
it appears that he was a man of genius and taſte, and
wrote with elegance. The ancients particularly com-
mend his conſtancy in maintaining the purity of our holy
faith, the innocence of his manners, his chriſtian humi-
lity, his compaſſion for the poor, his piety in adorning
holy places, eſpecially the tombs of the martyrs, and
his ſingular learaing. Having fat eighteen years and two
months, he died on the roth of December, in 384, being
near fourſcore years of age. A pontifical kept in the
Vatican library, quoted by Merenda, fays, that the
ſaint burning with an ardent deſire to be diſſolved, and
be, with Chriſt, he was ſeized with a fever, and having
received the body and blood of the Lord, lifting up lis
eyes and hands to heaven, he expired in devout prayer.
His interceſſion is particularly implored in Italy by per-
ſons that are ſick of fevers. (23) He was buried near hi
mother and ſiſter in an oratory which he had built and
adorned at the catacombs near the Ardeatin-way between
that road and the cemetery of Calixtus or Pretextatus.
Marangonus deſcribes his ſepulchre and thoſe of hs
mother and ſiſter, as they were diſcovered in the ye
1736. (24) :
Learning, the great accompliſhment and 1mprove-
ment of the human mind, is often made its bane, Tis
ſometimes happens by the choice which a man makes 0
his ſtudies, and much oftener by the manner in which
he purſues them. As to the choice, there is no {lot
more trifling or vain than the ſtudies of ſome learned melt:
to whom we may apply what Plato faid to the charioteet
whoſe dexterity in the circus ſtruck the ſpectators with
aſtoniſhment. But the philoſopher declared he deſerved
to be publicly chaſtiſed for the loſs of ſo much time®
was neceſſary for him to have attained that dexterity n
ſo trifling and uſeleſs an exerciſe. A perfect knowledge c
our own, and ſome foreign and learned languages '*
(24) Me-
(23) Fanſeca, I. 1. c. 16. Merenda ad an. 384. p. 133- Pontificu
rangonus in Commentariis ad Chronologiam Romanorum
iu. picturis Oitienſis baſilige ſuperſtitem.
Prudent!
poetry t
their bra
thoughts
moſt ule
ploymer
occupati
they bet
tain the
and to c
larly cor
men, as
tive of
teſs and
ning,
other fac
too prol
confoun
Metaph
Dec. 11,
In the
tions of
Wrote,
te, and
y com-
ur holy
1 humi-
dorning
18, and
ind two
i being
t in the
hat the
ed, and
having
g up tus
prayer.
by per
near bis
uilt and
between
extatus.
of bis
the yeal
nprove-
„ This
akes of
n which
10 floth
ed men:
arioteet
IIs with
leſerved
time #8
rerity in
ledge of
ges is 4
Ma-
*
Dec. 11. S. DAM AS US, Pope, C. 207
necefary inſtrument, and a key to much uſeful know-
kdge, but of little uſe if it be not directed to higher
pupoſes. Holy David, St. Ambroſe, St. Damaſus,
Prudentius, St. Paulinus, and many others conſecrated
poetry to the divine praiſes. The belles lertres, in all
their branches give an elegance to a man's mind and
thoughts, and help us to communicate with dignity our
moſt uſeful knowledge to others. But if made an em-
plyment. of life, eſpecially when the proper ſtudies or
occupations of a ſtate ought to have baniſhed them,
they become a pernicious idleneſs, and ſo much enter
tain the heart as to ruin devotion and the taſte of duties,
and to occupy our reaſon 1n trifles. They are particu-
arly condemned by the fathers and councils in clergy-
men, as treſpaſſing upon their obligations, and deſtrue-
te of the ſpirit of their profeſſion. Logic gives a juſt-
rels and clearneſs to our thoughts, teaches accurate rea-
ning, and exceedingly improves the judgment and
her faculties of the mind. Yet if its rules are made
too E or ſpun into refined ſubtilties, they puzzle and
contound the underſtanding. The ſame is to be ſaid of
Metaphyſics, which ought properly to be called The Ge-
werals of Science: a juſt acquaintance with which is,
above all other ſtudies and accompliſhments, the means
of improving the mind to the higheſt perfection, eſpeci-
aly its ruling faculty, the judgment, and fitting it for
lucceſs and aceuracy in all other ſciences and arts. The
pnnciples of Ariſtotle in Logic and Metaphyſics are ſolid,
tract, complete, and far preferable to all others; but the
expoſition muſt be conciſe, methodical, profound, infi-
litely accurate, clear, elegant, or free Hom a Gothic
Urels, which disfigures the beſt attainments, and is the
characteriſtic of barbariſm. Skill in uſeleſs knotty pro-
lems or queſtions which ſome ſtart, is compared by an
cant writer to a paſſion for breaking hard ſtones with
+ man's teeth merely to ſhew their goodneſs. All ſtudies,
% ws ever ſo methodically conducted and regulated,
* um umitation of the ſaints, be directed to a holy
ö and ſerious purpoſe, and ſanctified by a life of
PF. If fondneſs for any ſcience degenerates into
a, it becomes a' dangerous and vicious branch of
. * 3
mm - __
ITY - > -
208 S. DANIEL; c. Dee. 1.
curioſity, drains the heart, hinders holy meditation and
prayer, captivates the ſoul, and produces all the diſot-
ders of inordinate paſſions,
On Tuz SsAMRER Dar.
SS. Fuscrian, VicToRicus' and GenTian, MM
Fuſcian and Victoricus were two apoſtolical men who
eame to preach the faith in Gaul about the ſame time
with St. Dionyſius of Paris. They penetrated to the re
moteſt parts af that kingdom, and at length made Te.
rouanne the ſeat of their miſſion. Going back to Amiens,
where Rictius Varus perſecuted the Chriſtians with more
than tavage barbarity, they lodged with one Gentia
who was defirous to become à diſciple of Jeſus Chit
He informed them that St. Quintin had lately glorified
God by martyrdom. They were ſoon after apprehend-
ed with their charitable: hoſt, and all three died fot
Chriſt about the year 287. See their Acts quoted by
Ado, and the, chronicle of St. Bertin's'extant in Boſquet,
I. 4. On the tranflation of their relicks ſee Mabillon,
fec.. 4. Ben, and Gallia Chriſtiana, Their bodies were
found laid in coffins in the village Sama, now called St.
Fuſieu, i. e. St. Fuſcian's, in a garden. St. Honoratus
then biſnop of Amiens, tranſlated them into the cathe-
dra]. Childebert II. at that time king, gave to the
church of Amiens the royal village Magie about the
year 580. p: i | |
St. Dan1tL the Stylite, C. Though a hve of ſin-
gularity is vicious, and always founded in pride, fome-
times extraordinary paths of virtue may be choſen In 4
ſpirit of fervour and humble ſimplicity, which is diſco
vered by the effects. And true virtue is always ſo fa
ſingular that it is raiſed above, and eſſentially diftin-
guiſhed from, the manners of the croud which ev!
walks in the broad way, and runs counter to the rules
the goſpel by which a Chriſtian” is bound to ſquare fi
oonduct. Tbe manner of living which a Simeon and!
Daniel Stylites choſe by an extraordinary in piration 2
impulſe of true piety and fervour, is only to be con p
dered by us as un object of admiration ; but the ardows
tans,
damoſat
teighbo!
te embr
her his
church,
Ala we
uffered
Ing, and
Chriſt,
ave, pul
Wing |
Kanda
therwar
d. dime
im to f
ad. H
Without :
kmpora
After
Dee, 11,891 S. DANIEL. C. 209
tion ang humility and devotion with which they purſued the
he dior means of their ſanctification, are imitable by all Chriſ-
tans. Daniel was a native of the town of Maratha near
damoſata: at twelve years of age he retired into a
righbouring monaſtery, where with aſtoniſhing fervour
MM * embraced all the means of perfection. A, long time
' , Wiſer his abbot going to Antioch, about the affairs of the
me tins curch, carried Daniel with him, and paſling by Tela-
mo uſa, went to ſee St. Simeon on his pillar... That faint
ade Te. lftered Daniel to come up to him, gave him his bleſſ-
Ae ng, and foretold that he would ſufter much for Jeſus
ns nt. The abbot; dying ſoon after, the monks would
Gentit ne put Daniel in his place, but he declined it, and te-
Cb RN ning to ſee St. Simeon continued fourteen days in the
nge Mandra (a) or monaſtery which was near his pillar. He
5 tterward undertook a journey to the Holy Land; but
1en who
— Simeon appeared to him on the way, and ordered
owed bf lim to ſteer. his courſe toward Conſtantinople, which he
Boſque ad. He paſſed ſeven days in the church of St. Michael
Labin nthout the walls of that city ; then nine years at Phi-
wes kmpora in a ruinous abandoned little temple.
alled $t. „Alter this term he reſolved to imitate the manner of
onoratis ile of which St. Simeon had ſet the example, whoſe
cou he had obtained of that ſaint's diſciple Sergius, af-
e
TG & death in 459. St. Daniel choſe a ſpot in the
out the WI; > bouring deſert mountains toward the Euxine ſea,
har miles by ſea, and ſeven by land, from Conſtanti-
ple, toward the North. A friend erected him a pillar,
of fn- MY conſiſted of two pillars faſtened together with iron
. ſome⸗ 5; whereon atiother leſſer pillar was placed, on the
en in WP, of which was fixed by other friends a kind of veſſel
s diſco Mewhat like an half.barrel, on which he abode, en-
ys ſo far n by a baluſtrade. (1) The country of Thrace
diſtin- . ere he lived, was ſubject to high winds, and very ſe-
4 cet BY froſts; ſo that his penance was more ſurpriling than
rules ck . of St. Simeon. The lord of the ground about the
dare his Jar 463 built him a ſecond pillar which was ſtronger
n and | |
tion and 0
2 a a * *y Gris Ges a ſhepherd's tent: _ was uſed for
Vol, XII. P
(1) Theodor. Lector, E 10d 554. Viz. S. Dan. e. 28. 31,
—
2 N | 7 4 LE Fu 7 - of
vw wile ET 17 a. — — 9
= A
C
1
&
p
.
*
4%
=_—
%
þ
-
*
110 8. DANI E L C. Dec. 21,
and higher than the firſt, When the ſaint took his ref
he ſupported himſelf againſt the baluſtrade of his pillar,
But by continually ſtanding his legs and feet were ſwoln,
and full of ulcers and ſores. One winter he was found
ſo ſtiff with cold that his diſciples having ſoaked ſome
ſponges in warm water, aſcended the column, and rub-
bed him therewith to bring him 'to himſelf This did
not oblige him to leave his pillar, where he lived till he
was fourſcore years old. . Without deſcending from it
he was ordained prieſt by Gennadius, biſhop of Con-
ſtantinople, 'who having read the preparatory prayers at
the bottom of the pillar, went up to the top of it to
finiſh the reſt of the ceremony, and the ſaint ſaid maß
on the top of the pillar ; and the firſt time adminiſtered
the communion to the patriarch. Afterward. many fre
quently received the communion at his hands. In 465
a great fire happened at Conſtantinople which conſumed
eight of its regions. St. Daniel had foretold it, and ad.
vited the patriarch Gennadius, and the emperor Leo io
prevent it, by ordering public prayers to be ſaid twice:
week: but no credit was given to him. The event
made them remember it, and the people ran in great
haſte to his pillar. The faint moved with their affliction,
burſt into tears, and adviſed them to have recourle t0
prayer and faſting. Stretching out his hands to heavel
he prayed for them. By his prayers he obtained a or
forthe emperor Leo, who frequently viſited, and great
ly reſpected him: but this ſon died young, God rathe
chooſing that he ſhould reign in heaven than on eartl,
Leo cauſed a ſmall'monaſtery to be built near the ſaints
pillar for his diſciples. Gubas, king of the Laz!, u
Colchis, coming to renew his alliance with the Romans
the emperor carried him to ſee St. Daniel, as the wr
der of his empire. The barbarian king proſtrated hm
ſelf with tears before the pillar, and the holy man
umpire of the treaty between the two princes. Gu
being returned to his own dominions, wrote often ©
St. Daniel, recommending himſelf to his pray ers. Tus
prince built a third pillar for the ſaint, adjoining to 1
other two, in ſuch manner that the middle .
loweſt, that the ſaint might retire upon it for
Dec, II:
violent”
the em]
the ſtan
herbs a
often f.
noured
miracle:
lis pilla
them, «
48 It is
the oil;
the ſam
of the c
pave to
lion of
tearts,
tential
Dee. 11.
© his reſt
lis pillar,
re ſwoln,
as found
ed ſome
and rub-
This did
d till he
from it
of Con-
rayers at
of it to
aid mals
niſtered
any fre
In 465
onſumed
and ad-
r Leoto
d twice
he event
in great
1ffliction,
-ourſe t0
J heaven
ed a (on
1d great
1
on earth.
he faint
Lazi, in
Romans
he won.
ted him-
man was
Gubas
often f0
rs. This
to the
F was the
ſhelter in
Dec. 11. S. DAN ILE L, C. 211
nolent ſtormy weather: the faint alſo acquieſced that
the emperor Leo ſhould cauſe a roof to be made over
the ſtanding place on the top of his pillar. Unfavoury
herbs and roots were St. Daniel's ordinary diet, and he
aten faſted ſome days without ſuſtenance. God ho-
noured him with the ſpirit of prophecy and the gift of
miracles. The ſick whom he often cauſed to come up
tis pillar, he frequently cured by laying his hands upon
tem, or by anointing them with the oil of the ſaints,
i; it is called in his life; by which we are to underſtand
the oil which burnt before the relicks of the ſaints, in
the lame manner as St. Sabas cured many with. the oil
of the croſs. The inſtructions which St. Daniel uſually
rave to thoſe that reſorted to him, wrought the conver-
lon of many ſinners: for his words penetrated their
tearts, and being enforced by the example of his peni-
tential 4ife, were wonderfully powerful in bringing
aber into the narrow path of penance and true virtue,
Certain perſons had his image made of filver, which
2 paced in St. Michael's church not far diſtant from
IS pillar. 5 | |
St. Daniel foretold Zeno, that God would preſerve
m in a certain dangerous expedition: alſo that he
ould ſucceed his father-in-law Leo in the empire, but
ſhould loſe it for ſome time, and at laſt recover it again.
be emperor Leo died in January 474, and Zeno was
lluted emperor ; but openly abandoned himſelf to vice
ik it had been the privilege of the imperial dignity to
*cunt nothing unlawful or diſhonourable. Whilſt
ne Hunns plundered Thrace, and the Arabs the Eaſt,
de completed the ruin of his people by tyrannical op-
Pelions, Having quartelled with his mother-in-law Ve-
"na, the widow of his predeceſſor, he ſaw himſelf aban-
Wned, and fled into Iſauria, his own country, in the
Jar 475, the ſecond of his reign. Baſiliſcus, brother
0 the empreſs Verina, uſurped the throne, but was a
Frofligate tyrant, and declared himſelf publicly. the pro-
** of the Eutychians. He reſtored Timothy Elurus,
ter the F uller and other ringleaders of that herely ;
” by a circular letter addreſſed to all the biſhops, or-
ted the acts of the council of Chalcedon and the letter
d d P 2 . '
212 S. DANIEL, C. Dec. 11,
of St. Leo to be every where anathematized and burnt,
condemtiing the 'biſhops and clelks to be depoſed, aud
the motiks and laymen baniſhed, who fhould refuſe to
fubſcribe his letter, qr ſhould dare to make mention of
the council of Chalcedon. The holy pope Simplicius
wrote ſtrenuouſty to the tyrant againſt theſe procced-
ings, (2) allo to Acacius, patriarch of Conſtantinople,
charging him as his legate to oppoſe the re-eſtabliſhment
of Timothy at Alexandria, and fotbidding mention t6
be made againſt the definitions of the council of Chal:
cedon. Acacius refuſed to fubſcribe the tyrant's letter,
put on mourning, covered the pulpit and altar of his
church with black, and fent to St. Daniel Stylites, to
acquaint him with what the emperor had done, Bah
Hicus, on his fide, ſent to him to complain of Acacius
Whom he accuſed of raiſing a rebellion in the city agaiiſ
him. St. Daniel replied, that God would overtirow his
zovernment, and added ſuch vehement reproaches that
e wha was ſent, durſt not report them, but beſought
the ſaint to write them, and to ſeal the letter. The ps
triarch having aſſembled ſeveral biſhops, in his own aud
their name ſent twice, in the moſt urgent manner, to
intreat Daniel to come to the ſuccour of the church. At
length the ſaint, though with reluctance, came dowd
from bis pillar, and was received by the patriarch and
biſhops with incredible joy. Baſfiliſcus being frighted &
the uproar which was raiſed in the city, retired to Heb:
domum, Whither the faint followed him. Not being
able to walk for the ſores in his legs and feet, he ws
catried by men, piety paying to his penance on thit
occaſion the hondur which the world gave to conſuls
The guards worlld not fuffer St. Daniel to enter the fe-
lace, who thereupon ſhook off the duſt from his lech
and returned to the city. The tyrant was terrified,
went himſelf to the faint, and threw himſelf at his feet
begging pardon, and' promiſing to annul his forme
edicts. The faint threatened him with the thunderbols
of the divine anger, and faid to thoſe who ſtood If
This teighed humility is only an artifice to conceal ce.
figns of cruelty. Tou ſhall very ſoon ſee the powet
(a) Conc, T. 4. p. 1070. Sümplic. ep. 4
Dec. II.
God wh
told the
he retur
teen yea
and Pet
im was
p Mont
liſcus f
and took
wife anc
where .
things w
a vilit te
baniſh
The |
death,
which hi
and adn
talit "=
uu UN
charity,
Ur hol)
ed the l
pels in :
In his la
Jear 49
bred -
kndarg.
um, q
ted —
Theodo
Faconi
*
Dec. 11,
| biirnt,
ed, and
efuſe to
ation of
mplicius
procced-
tinople,
liſnhment
ntion to
of Chal-
's letter,
r of his
'Jites, to
> Bali
Acacius
v againſt
row his
ches that
beſought
The pt
own and
inner, 0
rch, At
ge down
zrch and
ghted at
to Heb:
ot being
„ he ws
on that
confuls
the pt
his feet,
terrified,
| his feet
s formel
nderbolt
ood by»
nceal de.
power d
Dec. 11.
God who pulls down the mighty.” Having thus fore-
told the fall of Baſiliſcus, and performed ſeveral miracles,
he returned to the top of his pillar, where he lived eigh-
ten years longer. Elurus recovered the lee of Antioch,
ad Peter the Fuller that of Alexandria, and Eutychian-
im was every where encouraged. But Zeno after twen-
pe returned with an army from Iſauria, and Ba-
S DANIE-L,:C. - 213
cus fled to the church, put his crown upon the altar,
ud took ſanctuary in the baptiſtery, together with his
vife and ſon. Zeno ſent them to a caſtle in Cappadocia,
where they were ſtarved to death. One of the; firſt
tings which the emperor did after his return was to pay
avilit to St. Daniel Stylites, who had foretold both his
baniſhment and his reſtoration. |
The faint when fourſcore years. old, foretold his own
death, and cauſed a ſhort exhortation to be written
yich he left his diſciples, whom he commended to God,
nd admoniſhed to practiſe humility, obedience, hoſpi-
alt, and mortification ; to love poverty, maintain
conſtant peace and union, ſtudy always to advance holy
charity, ſhun the tares of hereſy, and obey the church,
wr holy mother. Three days before his death he offer;
al the holy ſacrifice at midnight, and was viſited by an ·
gs in a viſion. The patriafch Euphemius aſſiſted him
a lis laſt moments, and he died on his pillar abeut the
fear 494, on the Ik of December, the day which is
ed to his memory both in the Latin and Greek ga-
kndars. See his life carefully compiled in the ſixth *
Wy, quoted by St. John Damaſcen, ſomeyhat ad
ared as extant in Metaphraſtes and Surius. See alſo
Theodorus Lector, Evagrius and Thegphanes. Alſo
Mconius in Ephemerides Græco-Moſchas, p. 33
*
%
*
» OV = © - -
width YES. moan 7
3
-
*
*
4
2
. ST
* N — 2
- — — . - - —
oy
A
25
into their hands, and upon confeſſing the name of Jeſus
_-, * _ * l Poe | a 4 1 — «
e
n _ * 18 oo p q S
——
—_———
24 8s. EPIMACHUS, &e. MM. Dec. 1.
D E c E M B E R XII
SS. EPIMACHUS and ALEXANDER, &c. MM.
_ From St. Dionyſius of Alexandria in Euſebius, Hiſt. 1.6. e. 4.
| A. D. 250, | "
W un sr the perſecution ſet on foot by Decius
raged with the utmoſt violence'at Alexandria in 250,
and the magiſtrates were very induſtrious and active in
ſearching for Chriſtians, Alexander and Epimachus fel
Chriſt, were loaded with chains, committed to priſon,
and ſuffered all the hardſhips of a long and rigorous con-
finement. Remaining the ſame after this ſevere trial of
their faith and patience, they were beaten with clubs
their fides were torn with iron hooks, and they conſum-
mated their martyrdom by fire. St. Dionyſius, archbi-
ſhop' of that city, and an eye-witneſs of ſome part at
their ſufferings, gives us this ſhort account of their (uf
ferings, and alſo makes mention of four martyrs of the
other ſex who were erowned on the ſame day, and at the
fame place. Ammonarium, the firſt of them, a virgin
of irreproachable life, endured unheard of -torments
without opening her mouth, only to declare that no arts
or power ſhould ever prevail with her to let drop the leal
word-to the prejudice of her holy profeſſion. She kept
her promiſe inviolably, and was at length led to exear
tion, being as it ſeems, beheaded. The ſecond of thel
holy women was named Mercuria, a perſon venerable
fox her age and virtue: the third was Dionyſia, wv
though a tender mother of many children, cheerful)
commended them to God, and preferred his holy lobe
to all human conſiderations : the fourth was anotle
Ammonarium. The judge bluſhing to ſee him
ſhamefully baffled and vanquiſhed by the firſt of 1
female champions, and obſerving the like fortitude a
reſolution in the countenances of the reſt, comma?
the other three to be beheaded withdut more ado. Ti)
Dec. 12.
me ligt
pretends
The ma
motive
his holy
fore God
m unſh:
baſe fin1
endure :
of his p
and he
ſhort of
of whic
a acrifi
of his b
hdelity
and to
thinks «
flies thy
that Ge
mony \
and pre
his ay
tender]
thoſe þ
moſt e
ed at
Other f
In his
Pretent
oſtenta
pair u.
Dec. 12,
c. MM,
5. c. 41.
Decius
in 250,
tive in
chus fell
of Jeſus
> priſon,
ous con-
e trial of
h clubs,
conſum-
archbi-
part of
heir ſul⸗
rs of the
nd at the
a virgin
orments
t no arts
the leaſt
She kept
exec
of theſe
enerable
ja, who,
jeerfully
oly love
another
himſelf
of theſe
ade and
man
, They
Nec. 12. 88. EPIMACHUS, &c. MM. 215
ae all commemorated in the Roman martyrology on
this day. 1318. 4 "= © 3500
To * the virtue of the Chriſtian martyrs in its;
tue light, we have but to conſider it & contraſting the.
wmetended heroiſm of the — ſages of paganiſm.
The martyr's conſtancy is founded in humility, and its
motive is the pure love of God, and perfect fidelity to
tis holy law. He regards himſelf as a weak reed: there-
fore God ſtrengthens him, and by his grace makes him
n unſhaken pillar. The martyr conſiders himſelf as a
baſe finner who deſerves to ſuffer the death he is going to,
endure : he looks upon his martyrdom as the beginning
of his penance, not as the conſummation of his virtue
and he is perſuaded that whatever he can ſuffer falls
ſhort of what he deſerves : that it is the higheſt honour
of which he is infinitely unworthy, to be called to make
2 facrifice to God of his life and all that he has received
of his bounty, to give ſo pregnant a teſtimony of his
fidelity and love, to be ndered conformable to Chriſt,
and to die for his ſake; who out of infinite mercy, and
bye laid down his moſt precious life, and ſuffered the
moſt cruel torments, and the moſt outrageous inſults
ad affronts for us: he calls it the greateſt happineſs to
redeem eternal torments by momentary ſufferings,
Again, the martyr ſuffers with modeſty, and tender for-
titude ; he deſires not acclamations, ks no applauſe,
thinks only that God is the ſpectator of his conflict, and
fies the eyes of men, at leaſt unleſs, with a pure view
that God may be known and glorified through. the teſti-
mony which he bears to his law. and ſovereign goodneſs
and greatneſs. Laſtly, he praiſes and thanks God amidſt
$ torments; he eis no ſentiments of revenge, but
tenderly loves, and earneſtly prays ſor the proſperity of
thoſe by whoſe hands or unjuſt calumnies he. ſuffers the
molt exquiſite and intolerable pain, and is only afflict-
at the danger of their eternal perdition. On the
ater ſide, the vain and proud philoſopher is puffed . up
in his own mind becauſe. he Fiffers he ſets forth his
pretended virtue and conſtancy with a fooliſh groveling
catation; he conceals his inward ſpite, rage and de-
ſur under the hy poctitical exterior of a forced and al-
4*-
"2
.
*
E
at
2
3
4
3
2
4
4
_
216 S. FINIAN,-B.C. Dee. 12,
feed patience; he inſults his enemies, or at leaſt ſtu-
dies and wiſhes revenge. The boaſted Cato dreaded
and abhorred the ſight of Czfar, and killed himſelf that
he might not be preſented before, or owe his life to, an
enemy by whom he was vanquiſhed: ' A Chriſtian hero
would have appeared before him without either indigns-
tion or fear, and would have overcome him by humility,
meekneſs, - patience and charity. Socrates by the haugh-
tineſs of his looks deſpiſed and inſulted his judges, and
by the. inſolence of his behaviour provoked them b
condemn him: whereas the Chriſtian martyr affeQion-
ately embraces, loves and prays for his tormentors, like
St. Stephen under a ſhower of ſtones, and covered with
wounds and blood. ia |
On Tag SAME Day,
St. Finran,' (a) or Finan, Biſhop of Cluain-Irard
(called Clonard)- in Ireland, C. Among the primitive
teachers of the Iriſh church the name of St. Finian is
one of the moſt famous next to that of St. Patrick. He
was a native of Leinſter, was inſtructed in the elements
of chriſtian virtue by the ' diſciples of St. Patrick, and
out of an ardent deſire of making greater progreſs palſ
over into Wales, Where he converſed with St. David, 8.
Gildas and St. Cathmael; three eminent Britiſh ſaints.
After having remained thirt years in Britain, about the
year-520 he returned into Ladin excellently qualifed
by ſanctity and facred learning to reſtore the ſpirit of
religion among his countrymen, which had begun ie
decay. Like a loud trumpet founding from heaven,
rouzed the ſloth and inſenfibility of the lukewarm, an
{bftened the hearts that were moſt hardened, and had
been long immerſed m worldly buſineſs and pleaſure
To propagate the work of God, St. Finian eſtabliſhed
ſeveral monaſteries and ſchools : the chief of which was
Clonard in Meath, which was the ſaint's principal cel,
dence. Out of his ſchdol came ſeveral of the principæ
aims and doctors of Ireland, as Kiaran the Young"
Columkille, Columba the fon of Crimthain, the 1050
(«) Fin in Iriſh ſignißes white, as in or Win in, Welt
Ses Uiber, N et white, as does Gwin or W.
- *
ud. (
Conard
dt. Fini
alvatio!
infirm \
ee. i de. „. $::C.OLUMBA,.A 17
aſt ſtu. {i Bendans, Laſerian, Canicus, or Kenny, Ruadan and
dreaded ee bo: ke 25 ee eee ee eee e
ſelf that St. Finian was &hoſen and conſecrated biſtiop of Cloz
e to, an nard; (4) The great monaſtery Which. he erected at
an hero i Clonard was a famous ſeminary of ſacred learning. (c
ndigne- WY S. Finian in the love of his flock,” and his zeal for their
umility, WH #vation, equalled the Baſils and the Chry ſoſtoms, was
> haugh- infirm with the infirm, and wept with thoſe that wept.
ves, and WY He healed the ſouls, and often alſo the bodies of thoſe
Mem io BY that applied to hin. His food was bread and Herbs, his
F-ion. ink water, and his Bed thie ground with a ſtone for his
21s, like I pillow. He departed to our Lord on the 12th of De-
red with i cxmber, in $5 „according to the Inisfaflen annals,
quoted by Uſher, but according to othets in 364. See
lis life publiſhed. by Colgan on the 23d of February.
Uſher, Ant. Brit. c. 18. p. 493: and Index Chronol.
\in-Trard . b. 331. Sir James Ware, Ant. Hib. c. 29. de Eccl.
rimitire WY Cathedr. p. 297. and on the Biſhops, p- 136. See alſo
inian is de note on St. Ultan, 4th of September, p. 309.
ck. He | RECON > = A yer "ly n a 51
lemens f St. CoLuMs a, ſon of Crimthain, Abbot.” He Was a
ck, and native of Leinſter, in Ireland, a diſciple of St. Fittjati,
{s paſſed and became a great maſter of ' a ſpiritual” life, © He
wid, 8. BY bounded and governed the monaſtery- of Tyrdaglas in
h ſaints Munſter, and died of a peſtilence which raged in Ireland
bout the in the year 548. 2 00 eee e
qualified * * e 8 |
irt k ; ©) Simon Rochfort} the lat biſhop of Const, tranlated this feb
P 2 BA monaſtery of Regular Canons which he built at Trim in honour
begun by Sd. Peter and Paul, In 1209. He and his predeceſſor Eugenius
wven, be took the title” of biſhops of Meath : to which two other ſees
rm, and 75 united about the thirteenth century, namely that of Kenlis or
and had Kelle, where St. Columkille founded his inonaſtery of Cells about the
550, and that of -Duleek; anciently called Damliag, which-b
leaſule. kopric was f. '
able November ounded by St. Cianan, who is honoured onthe, 24th of
Ts F *
4 „ j 1147 5
lich was a”? The monaſtery of Regular Canons of St. Auſtin, which ſub-
pal reſi- dat Clonard till the diflolution of religious houſes, was erected
Fache Ky 7 the ruins of St. Finian's abbey, in honour of St. Peter, by Wal.
dungen xy, lord of, Trim, ſon of the ambitious Hugh Lacy who ba
u conquered this country was made lord of Meath b H |
_ afterward beheaded by one O Meey an Filhmsn 1 I And
edin were meaſuring the foſſe which ſurrounded the caſtle then
and dn eg nom called Durrow. See Littleton's Heory 11,
the 190
in Welſh
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gots
-
218 S. VA LEA Y. At: Dec. 14,
St. Cox MA, an ancient Iriſh. ſaint, is mentioned in
the calendars on this day, as an abbot of eminent ſane-
tity: Uſher ſuppoſes him the ſame ho paid a viſit to
St. Columkille, mentioned by Adamnan, 1: 3. c. 1
g 4 of . A \ JO)! b; H
St. CoLman, Abbat of Glendaloch, is alſo mention-
ed this day in the Iriſh calendar: he died: in 659. See
Colgan's M S8. | B „nein | 04-40 £61 M0
. St, EapsBuRGs, Abbeſs of Menſtrey, in the ile of
Thanet. She built there a new church in-honour of 88
Peter and Paul, into which ſhe, cauſed, the hody of 8.
Mildrede, her immediate predeceſſot, to be tranſlated,
Her death happened about the year 751, according to
Thorne, quoted in the Monaſticon. (1) St. Eadburge
ſeems to be the abbeſs of that name to whom St. Boni.
face ſometimes wrote: Capgrave confounds her with dt.
Ethelburge, Genshier of Ethelbert, king of Kent) who
after the death of king Edwin her huſband, conſecrated
herſelf to God, and died abbeſs of Lyming in Kent to
wards the cloſe: of the ſeventh century. , The relicks of
St. Eadburge were tranſlated to Canterbury, in 1055;
and there depoſited in St. Gregory's church. St. Mil
drede is honoured on the 2oth of February.
St. VALIER V, Abbot. This ſaint was ſon to a get:
tleman of Auvergne, and fn his childhood kept his fa-
ther's ſheep-: but out of an ardent deſire of improving
himſelf in ſpiritual knowledge privately learned to read,
and got the Pfalter by heart. He was yet young whe!
he took the monaſtic habit in the neighbouring mona!
tery of St. Antony. From the firſt day ſuch was his
Fervour that in his whole conduct he appeared a living
rule of perfection, and by fincere humility eſtecming
himſelf below all the world he meekly and cheerful)
ſubjected himſelf to every one. Seeking the moſt pr
fect means of advancing in the paths of all virtues he
paſſed from this houſe" to the more auſtere monaſtery
St, Germanus of Auxerre, into which he was rece!v
by St. Aunarius, biſhop, of that church. The reputs*
(1) Dugdale, Monaſt. vol. t. p. 84.
Valery,
a fellow
two ap
Clotaire
cardy n
the les
built a
ing anc
dels, a1
he laid
ſometir
Sunday
the flo
Dec. 11,
oned in
t ſanc-
viſit to
2ention-
9. See
eerfully
oft per
tues be
ery of
eceived
reputs*
Des. 14. 8. VAL E R, A. 219
tion of the penitential lives of the'monks of Luxeu, and
af the ſpiritual wiſdom of St. Columban drew him af-
terward thither, and he ſpent many years in that com-
munity, always efteeming himſelf an unprofitable ſer-
rant and a flothful monk, who ſtood in need of the ſe-
rereſt and harſheſt rules and ſuperiors: and next to fin
he dreaded. nothing ſo much as the applauſe of men or
reputation of ſanctity. Upon the departure of St.
columban the care of protecting the monaſtery from
the oppteſſions of men in power, was committed to St.
Valery, till he was ſent by St. Euſtaſius with Vandolen,
2 fellow monk, to preach the goſpel to idolaters. The
two apoſtolic men travelled into Neuſtria, where kin
Clotaire II. gave them the territory of Leucone in Pi-
cardy near the mouth of the river Somme; There with
the leave of Bertard, biſhop of Amiens, in 611, they
built a chapel and two cells. St. Valery by his preach-
ing and the example of his virtue converted many infi-
dels, and aſſembled certain fervent diſciples with whom
he laid the foundation of a monaſtery. His faſts he
ſometimes prolonged for ſix days, eating only on the
Sunday; and he uſed no other bed than twigs laid on
the floor, His time was all employed in preaching,
prayer; reading and manual labour. By this he earned
lomething for the relief of the poor, and he often re-
peated to others: The more cheerfully we give to
thoſe who are in diſtreſs, the more readily will God give
us what we'aſk of him.“ The faint went to receive
the recompence of his happy perſeverance. on the 12th
of December, in 622. He is honoured in France on
the 1ſt of April, and on the 12th of December. From
his cells a famous monaſtery roſe, and a town which
bears his name. His life was carefully written in 660,
by Raimbert, ſecond abbot of Leucone, from him: (a)
(2) The work of Raimbert was abridged by an anonymous monk,
by the order of an archbiſhop named Hugh. Rivet ſhews that this
eelny to have been. Hugh archbiſhop of Rouen from 722 to 730.
© original is loſt : but this abridgment which Rivet proves to have
wh made with exaQitude (T. 3. p. 602.) is extant genuine in Ma-
on (Sec. 5. Ben.) and the Bollandiſts (ad 1 Apr. p. 14.), but in
(ad 1 Apr.) the ſtyle is altered. |
of .
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N
RT
2 WS SS. 4 4
2. Tx URS 2
e
220 s. OgOoREN TIN, B. c. Dec. 12
See Mabillon Act. Ben. T. 2. p. 76. and Annal. |, 11,
u. 33. Gallia Chriſt. Vetus, T. 4. p. 88. Nova, I.
10. P- 1231. 1234. 1 ITT i= 9 E i 1 10
St. Cox NN, firſt Biſhop, of Quimper in Britany, C
He was ſon of a Britich nobleman, and being educated
in the fear of Cod, retired young into a foreſt in the
riſh of Ploe-Madiern, where he paſſed ſeveral years in
y ſolitude, and in the; . practice of great auſterities
Dec. 1
St, Me
counct!
Having
apoſto|
end of
2
Marcellus ha ſubſcribed the firſt council of Tours, and fed
the ſeveral other biſhops who came over with the Bri- d to
tons into Armorica, had continued to govern their flocks . Norm:
without any correſpondence with the French, being WW rice E
ſtrangers to their language and manners. Theſe being Lobine
all dead it was neceſſary to procure a new ſucceſſion of
paſtors.” St. Cotentin was appointed biſhop of /Quim- Ano
per or Quimmer, which in the {Britiſh language ſigni- noured
fied u conflux' of rivers, ſuch being the ſituation of this Little
place near the ſea-coaſt. The cities of Rennes, Nantes, Menet
and Vannes were reconquered by.Clovis I. and ſubjedt hont it
to him and his ſucceſſors, and only became again part the cot
of the dominions of the Armorican Britons in the ninth 401,
century. French biſhops therefore governed thoſe ſees,
and even the Britons who were ſettled in thoſe parts
But Lower Britany was at that time independent firlt
under its kings; afterward under counts. The Count
of Cornouaille (ſaid in the legends to be Grallo J. who
died about 445) in imitation! of Caradoc count of Van: Abridge
nes, gave his own palace at Quimper to ſerve the br
ſhop, part for his own dau ud pn for his cathedrd,
As lou as in the year 1424, under an old equeſtrian
ſtatur in the lower part of the church, was read tis
inſcription: Here was bis palace. acts %
St. Corentin was conſecrated by St. Martin at Tours
ſays the legend, but that holy prelate died about the
year 397, and the firſt colony of the Britons was only
fettled by the tyrant Maximus under their firſt king
Conan in 283, and their laſt greateſt colonies under
Riwal or Hoel l. about the year 520, when they fecb-
vered under Childebert part of what Clovis had can
quered. It ſcems therefore moſt probable that St. Cor
rentin received the epiſcopal conſecration from ene
b Dec. 18. Deere IF, V. M. 221
al. L 11 & Martin's ſucceſſors at Toars. He ſubſcribed the
Jova, I. council of Angers in 453, under the name of Charaton;
e Having long governed his church, worn out with his
itany, C. zpoſtolic labours, he gave up his ſoul to God before the
educated WW end of the fifth century, probably on the 12th of De-
t in the cember, on which his principal feſtival is celebrated at
years in Quimper, Leon, St. Brieuc, Mans, &c. His name oc-
fterities cars in the Engliſh litany of the ſeventh century pub-
urs, and liſhed by Mabillon. (Annal.) His relicks were remov-
the Bri- WW & to Marmoutier at Tours in 8586, for fear of the
Ir flocks Normans, and are ſtill preſerved there. See Dom Mo-
„ being Wi rice Hiſt, de Bret. T. 1. p. 8. and note 13, 14, 19.
ſe being Lobineau Vies des Saints de la Bretag. p. 51. 0
eſſion of | ;
- Quin Another St. Cox EN TIN, 'now-called Cux v, was ho-
e ſigni. toured in Devonſhire and Cornwall. He came from
| of this Little Britain, and lived an hermit at the foot of mount
Nantes, Menchent, which Parker, Drake, &c. take for Mene-
ſubject bont in Devonſhire. He preached to the inhabitants of
ain part the oountry with great fruit, and died in that place in
re ninth 401. See Borlaſe Antiquit. of Cornwall, &c. |
ole ſees, | |
2 parts, D'ECEMBER XIII.
ent firſt re | x
— St. LUCY, lhe irgin, Martyr. _
ff Vans Abridged from her Acts, older than St. Aldbelm, who quoted the-
the bi in the ſeventh century. | .
al |
— * *% . Hi
ad this H E glorious virgin and martyr St. Lucy, one of
) 4 the brighteſt ornaments of the church of Sicily, was born
Tours of honourable and wealthy parents in the: city of Syra-
ut a cula, and educated-from her cradle in the faith of Chriſt,
is ON dhe loſt her father in her infancy, but Eutychia her mo-
: — took ſingular care to furniſh her wich tender and
under fublime ſentiments of piety and religion. By the early
ſeo mpreſhons which Lucy received, and the ſtrong influ-
i 2 *nceof divine grace, Luey diſbovered no diſpoſitiem but
— of towards virtue, and ſhe was yet vety young when the
ed to God the flower of her- virginity. This vow,
=_- 8. LU C v. V. M.
man. who was a
remedy by recourſe to phyſicians. At length ſhe was
perſuaded by her daughter to go to Catana, and offer
up her prayers to God for relief at the tomb of St. Aga
tha. St. Lucy accompanied her thither, and their pray-
ers were ſucceſsful. Hereupon our faint diſcloſed to her
mother her defire of devoting herſelf to God in a ſtate
of perpetual: virginity, and beſtowing her fortune on
the poor: and Eutychia in gratitude left her at full l.
betty to purſue her pious inclinations. The young vo-
bleman with whom the mother had treated about mar-
Tying her, came to underſtand this by the ſale of her
jewels and goods, and the diſtribution of the price among
the poor, and in his rage accuſed her before the governor
Paſchaſius as a Chriſtian, the perſecution of Dioclelian
then raging with the utmoſt fury. The judge com-
manded the holy virgin to be expoſed to proſtitution in
a brothel-houſe : but God rendered her immoveable (o
that the guards were not able to carry her thither. He
alſo made her an overmatch for the cruelty of the per
ſecutors, in overcoming fire and other torments. After
a long and glorious combat ſhe died in priſon of ti
wounds ſhe had received, about the year 304. She ws
' honoured at Rome in the ſixth century among the mol
Illuftrious vitgins and martyrs, whoſe triumphs the
church celebtates, as appears from the ſacramentat)
St. Gregory, Bede, and others. Her feſtival was kept
in England, till the change of religion, as an holyca
of the ſecond rank, in which no work but tillage
the like was allowed. Her body remained at Syracul
for many years; but was at length tranſlated into Ita
and thence, by the authority of the emperor Olo !
to Metz, as Sigebert of Gemblours relates. It 15%
expoſed: to public veneration in a rich chapel gar
cent's church. A portion of her relicks was car! 4
Conſtantinople, and brought thence to Venice,
D ec. 13.
however, ſhe kept a ſecret, and her mother, who was
a ſtranger to it, preſſed her to marry a young gentle
| an. The faint ſought occaſions to
hinder this deſign from taking effect, and her mother
was viſited with a long and troubleſome flux of blood,
under which ſhe laboured four years without finding any
[
Dec. 1.
it is k
paintec
ber ey.
ſent ac
In mar
for diſt
It is
are ſta
ſentim.
habits
tle den
pleaſur
againſt
by thet
the ſou
of the
Let th
ſophers
Its ple:
eaſier t
lels the
are pl1
untrac
poſition
Dec. 1 %
Who was
gentle
ions to
mother
f blood,
ling any
ſhe was
nd offer
St. Aga-
eir pray
d to her
1 a ſlate
tune on
full l-
ung 00-
ut ma-
> of her
e among
zovernor
jocleſ1an
e oon.
ution in
:eable (0
er. He
the per-
8 *
| of the
She was
he moſt
phs the
ntary of
as kept
holyday
lage 0
Syraculd
Nee. 14; 8. JODOC, c. 223
t is kept with ſingular veneration. St. Luey is often
painted with the balls of her eyes laid in a difh : perhaps
ber eyes were defaced or plucked out, though her pre-
ſent acts make no mention of any ſuch circumſtance.
In many places her interceſſion is particularly implored
ſor diſtempers of the eyes.
lt is a matter of the greateſt conſequence what ideas
ue ſtamped: upon the ductile minds of children, what
ſentiments are impreſſed on their hearts, and to what
habits they are firſt formed. Let them be inured to lit-
le denials both in their will and ſenſes, and learn that
pleaſures which gratify the ſenſes muſt be guarded
gainſt, and uſed with great fear and moderation: for
by them the taſte is debauched, and the conſtitution of
the foul broken and ſpoiled much more fatally than that
of the body can be by means contrary to its health,
Let them be taught that, as one of the ancient philo-
lophers ſaid, Temperance is the higheſt luxury: for only
ts pleaſures are eafy, ſolid and permanent. It is much
eher to conquer than to ſatisfy the paſſions, which, un-
lels hey are curbed by a vigorous reſtraint, whilſt they
we pliable, will be harder to be ſubdued. Obſtinacy,
untractableneſs, floth and voluptuouſneſs are of all diſ-
politions in youth the moſt dangerous. |
Children like tender ofiers take the bow,
And as they firſt are faſhioned, always grow.
"There are few Lucies now-a-days among chriſtian la-
dies, becauſe ſenſuality, pride and vanity are inſtilled
mo their minds by the falſe maxims and pernicious ex-
ample of thoſe with whom they firſt converſe. Alas
unlels a conſtant watchfulneſs and reſtraint produce and
ſtrengthen good habits, the inclinations of our ſouls lean
A their own accord toward corruption. 7
Ox THE SAME Dax.
St Jopoc, or Joss s, C. Thoſe Britons who flying
om the ſwords of, the Engliſh Saxons ſettled in Armo-
a in Gaul; upon the ruins of the Roman empire in
hoſe parts, formed themſelves into a little ſtate on that
ul they were obliged to receive the laws of the
:
+
, |
1
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*
44
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1
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34
4
a,
- ——— — — — - ü(p
- ceſtors, but held it of king Childebert, whom be waited on at Pati
| fourth ſon to Juthael,: ſucceeded to che crown, and died without l,
224 S. 10 DOC. c. Dec. 14,
French. Judicaël, commonly called Giguel, eldeſt on
of Juthael, became king of Britany about the year 60,
(a) This prince ſoon after renounced this periſhable
(a) Conan is called the firſt prince of Leſſer Britany or Armoric,
and is ſaid to have died in 421, in the reign of ;Theodofius the young:
er: having founded the dioceſſes of Cornouaille or Quimper, and of
Vannes. Solomon I. his grandſon ſucceeded him, and after thirteen
ears was murdered by his own ſubjects for his zeal in reforming theif
immoralities. Some think him the prince whoſe name-occurs in ſome
calendars of Britany, rather than Solomon III. who was a murderer
and uſurper. Grallon or Gallon (from Gallus or Wallus) was the
third prince, and ſeems to have governed for his little nephew Au-
dren. He could not have founded the monaſteries of Landevened
and Ruis: for he died in 445, and St. Gildas arrived in Britany only
in 720 Audren ſon to Solomon, Guerich and Eplebius then reign»
ed ſucceſſively, and ſometimes aided the Roman forces againſt the
Goths and Burgundians. Budic, ſeventh prince of Britany, founded
the church of St. Cyr, now St. Leonard's in Nantes, and is thought
to have been ſlain by Clovis I. who about the year 506, made Br-
tany a province of bis kingdom. Hoel I. or Riuval, fon of Budic, i
called by many the firſt king or prince of Britany : having afſembled
the Britons diſperſed in the iſlands, drove out the Friſons whom Clo-
vis had ſettled in Armorica, and recovered the inheritance of his un-
in 522. Hoel II. called alſo Rioyal, and Riguald ſucceeded, perſe-
cuted St. Malo, biſhop of Aleth, and was murdered in 546, by his
brother Canao, who ſeized the crown; but thirteen years after wa
flain by Clotaire I. who conquered Rennes, Vannes and Nantes
Macliau, ſon of Hoel I. recovered the ſovereignty : but was killed i
$77- Judual, fon of Hoel II. got poſſeſſion of part: of Britany,
aroc of Guerech, ſon of Macliau, of Vannes and the largeſt pan,
and Theodoric, ſon of Budic, of a third part. They refuſed they
uſual. tribute to the French: the kings Chilperic, Gontran, and in
594 Childebert ſent armies to compel them; but theſe were
feated by Varoc and Judual in ſeveral battles :| Childebert, after 5%
left them indepengent and unmoleſted. Only Judual had a fuccetiar
Juthael or Hoel III. who. reigued over all Britany. He had tur,
two children, among whom three are honoured as ſaints, jun
or Giguel, Jodve or Joſſe, and: Winoc, Guzelun or Solomon l.
ſue, about the year 632. His eldeſt brother Judicael had er
the monaſtic fonſure at the hands of St. Meen, and retired into ue
monaſtery of Gael in the territory of Vannes. Upon the 2 7
Guzelun, he was obliged to leave the monaſtery in which he ha
ſpent ! fifteen years but without making any vows, and mount |
throne.” St. Owen in his life of St. Eligips; an, eye-witnels, tells *
that the Britons having plundered certain vaſſals of the 1 5
gobert, in 636, eot iglus, then A lay-man at court, to king cal
.
1
Dec. 17
crown n
incorru
Meen,
great ſa
title of
crown þ
by the!
10nS W1
aUvine \
monaſte
brought
that Goc
wreeab|
nour anc
beliberat
d the b
eleven >
vent fir
Were Jo
Pnthiey
lent
de hono
Mted to
Ven years
Jumare
Amal f
te river
tels, in 1
Of this lat
be poor.
ud conte
ley teme
Rr the x
226 s. K EN E L M. E. M. Dee. 1;
chapel of wood in honour of St. Martin. In this place
they continued the ſame manner of life for thirteen
years: when Jodoc having been bit by an adder, they
again changed their quarters, the good duke who con-
tinued their conſtant protector, having built them an
hermitage, with two chapels of wood, in honour of Ss,
Peter and Paul. The ſervants of God kept conſtant in-
cloſure, except that out of devotion to The princes of
the apoſtles, and to the holy martyrs they made a peni-
tential pilgrimage to Rome in 665. At their return to
Runiac they found their hermitage enlarged and adorn-
cd, and a beautiful church of ſtone, which the good
duke had erected in memory of St. Martin, and on
which he ſettled a competent eſtate. The duke met
them in perſon on the road, and conducted them to their
| habitation. Jodoc finiſhed here his penitential courſe
in 669, and was honoured by miracles both before and
after his death. Winoc and Arnoc, two nephews of
the ſaint, inherited his hermitage which became a famous
monaſtery, and was one of thoſe which Charlemagne
firſt beſtowed on Alcuin, in 792. It ſtands near the i
in the dioceſs of Amiens, follows the Order of St. Ben-
net, and the abbot enjoys the privileges of count. lt i
called St. Joſſe ſur mer. St. Jodoc is mentioned on th
day in the Roman martyrology, See the life of thi
faint written in the eighth century ; Cave thinks about
the year 7510. It is publiſhed with learned notes by Ms
billon, Act. Ben. T. 2. p. 566, Gall. Chr, nov. T. 19.
p. 1289, 1290,
St. KeneLM, King, M. Kenulph, a prince of ts
blood royal of Mercia, was in the fourth degree of de
ſcent from Wibba, father of king Penda, and Egfert, the
ſon of Offa, having reigned only half a year, was cal:
to the throne of Mercia, which he filled twenty-t%?
years. Dying in 819, he left his ſon Kenelm, a chi
only ſeven years old heir to his crown, under the Wt
lage of his ſiſter Quindride. This ambitious Woman
committed his perſon to the care of one Aſcobert, u hon
ſhe had hired to make away with him. The wicked m
nilter decoyed the innocent child into an unffequent
ſituate
of W
honou
pilgrin
ſhire,
relicks
immec
ſeized
piety
cious
tion,
was c.
great
zeal |
eratec
(a)
Dec, I +
his place
thirteen
Jer, they
vlio con-
them an
1r of 85.
ſtant in-
rinces of
e a peni-
return to
d adorn.
he good
and on
uke met
to their
I courle
fore and
hews of
famous
lemagne
the (ea
St. Ben-
t. Its
1 on this
of this
'S about
by Ms
T. 10.
> of the
of de-
fert, the
1s called
nty-two
a child
he tute-
woman
„ whom
ked mi-
quented
Dec. 13. $6 AUBER-T, B. . 227
wood, cut off his head, and buried him under a thorn-
tree, His corps is faid to have been diſcovered by an
heavenly ray of light which ſhone over the place, and
by the following inſcription :
In Clent Cow-paſture, under a thorn,
Of head bereft, lies Kenelm king born. (a)
Higden in his Polychronicon ſays the body was thrown
into a well, the place was called Cowdale Paſture, and
ſituate in the ſouth part of Staffordſhire, on the borders
of Worceſterſhjre, where in following ages he was
honoured with great devotion, but with greater reſort of
pilgrims at the abbey of Winchelcombe in Gloceſter-
ſhire, which his father had founded, and in which his
relicks were enſhrined, having been tranſlated thither
immediately after their diſcovery. The unnatural ſiſter
ſeized the 3 but was outed by her uncle Ceol-
wulph, (pronounced Colwulph), and in penance became
a nun, as appears from the council of Cloveſhoe in 822.
Sf. Kenelm's death happened in 820. See Higden,
Will, of Malmeſbury, Tyrrell, p. 252. Cowper in the
lite of St. Werburge, p. 21. (b)
St. AuszRT, Biſhop of Cambray and Arras, C.
This great prelate was one of the greateſt ornaments of
the ſeventh age, and eminent promoters of learning and
piety in the Gallican church. His youth, that moſt pre-
cious ſeaſon of life, he dedicated to God by the mortifica-
tion, and the abſolute conqueſt of ſenſual appetites; he
was careful to employ all his time uſefully, and was a
great proficient in ſacred learning. Having with great
zal ſerved the church for many years, he was conſe-
erated biſhop of Arras and Cambray on the 24th of
(a) In the original Engliſh Saxon :
In Clent Cow batch Kenelm king bearne,
Lieth under a thorn, heaved bereaved. 1
(b) In Clent valley where St. Kenelm was murdered in the utmoſt
th borders of Staffordſhire is a famous ſpring called St. Kenelm's
vell, to which extraordinary virtues have been attributed, ſays Dr.
wper,
Qz
— — — ä 0 4
n —s
*
228 8. A U B E R T. B. C. Dec. 13
March, in 633. (a) Though ſolitude, in which he con-
verſed in heaven, and conſulted God on his own neceſ.
ſities and thoſe of his people, was his delight, yet he
knew what he owed to others; his door was always open
to perſons of all ranks and conditions, and he was ever
ready to afford every one all comfort and aſſiſtance ſpi-
ritual and corporal, eſpecially the poor, the ſick and
diſtreſſed, With extraordinary watchfulneſs and ſaga-
city he diſcovered the roots of the diſorders which reign-
ed among the people: his prudence and zeal applied the
remedies, and all the obſtacles he met with, he ſur-
mounted by his courage and conſtancy. His inſtruci-
ons, ſupported by the wonderful example of his own
life, had incredible ſucceſs in reforming the manners of
his numerous flock, Jt was the firſt part of his care to
train up a virtuous clergy, and to qualify them for their
ſacred functions by learning and good habits: ignorance,
eſpecially in thoſe who are the teachers of others, being
a moſt fatal enemy to virtue, and a rooted and expeti-
enced piety being neceſſary in all youth, that when they
(a) His predeceſſor Ablebert or Adelbert, the fifth biſhop of Cam»
bray and Arras, from St. Vaaſt or Vedaſt, and ſecond from St. Gerry,
was born in Brabant; being ſon of Witger count of Condate near
Antwerp, (who died a monk at Lobes), and of St. Amalberge, who
in her widowhood received the religious veil at the hands of St. Au-
bert, died a nun at Maubeuge, and was buried at Lobes: he
relicks were tranſlated to Binche three leagues from Mons, She 1s
honoured at Binche and Maubeuge on the 10th of July. Adelben
was brother to St. Raineld, virgin, martyred by the Hunns at Santhes,
(which manor the had given to Lobes, where her relicks were ho-
poured, aud her feſtival kept the 16th of July,) and to St. Guduls,
virgin, patroneſs of Bruſſels, honoured the 8th of January. Some
make two other holy virgins their ſiſters, St. Pharaildes, (whoſe te-
licks are at St-Bavo's in Ghent, and whoſe feaſt is kept on the 4th of
January,) and S. Ermeltnde, virgin, who ſerved God at Merdaert, o
the frontiers of Brabant, and is honoured on the 29th of Oftober.
This holy biſhop died at Ham in Brabant, about the year 633
His remains were 7 (arg tranſlated to Maubeuge, where the ca-
noneſſes keep an office in his honour on the 15th of January. Mola
nus, Mirzus, and ſome others place the conſecration of St. Aubert in
649, or later. But king Dagobert died on the 19th of January, 039
and Fulbert and all other authors teſtify that St. Aubert was 1
ſome years before his death. Le Cointe, Abbe Mutte, &c. thew
mutt have been called to that dignity in 633.
Dec. 1:
attain 1
lic life
influen
verted
perſons
The g
be inſt.
an ete
and at
yenly «
comfor
beſtow
and m;
Auberi
ous ſta
to whit
ſoldier,
he fou
Hayna
being
1408,
Charle
he fou
pin ne
bert 8
Dec. 13. B. AUBERT; B.C. 229
atain manhood and are expoſed to the dangers of pub-
lic life in a corrupt world, they may be able to reſiſt the
influence of vice and bad example. St. Aubert con-
vected to God innumerable ſinners, and induced many
perſons of quality of both ſexes to renounce the world.
The great king Dagobert often reſorted to the faint to
be inſtructed by him in the means of ſecuring to himſelf
an eternal kingdom. He liſtened to him with reſpect
and attention, always rejoiced exceedingly 1n his hea-
yenly converſation, and received from it the greateſt
comfort and edification. Out of reſpect for him he
beſtowed on his church of our Lady the royal eſtate
and manor of Oneng. St. Landelin was drawn by St.
Aubert's tears and prayers from apoſtacy from a religi-
ous ſtate, and from a moſt abandoned courſe of life in-
to which he fell, at the head of a troop of licentious
ſoldiers, or rather robbers: and in expiation of his crimes
he founded four monaſteries, Lobes on the Sambre in
Haynault, in 653, which was long very famous; but
being ſeculariſed, the canons removed their chapter, in
1408, to Binche, three leagues from Mons, toward
Charleroi. In 686, leaving St. Urſmar abbot of Lobes,
he founded the abbeys of Ane, S. Guiflain's, and Creſ-
pin near Valenciennes, in which laſt he died. St. Au-
bert gave his benediction to St. Guiſlain, and bleſſed his
cell on the river Hannau or Haine, (which gave name
to the province), in the place which ſince bears his name,
* * then called Urſdung or Urſidone, 1. e. Bear's
ennel,
The bleſſed count Vincent, called in the world Ma-
delgare, his wife the bleſſed Waldetrude, and her ſiſter
vt, Aldegundes received the religious habic from the
hands of St. Aubert, and the latter founded the monaſ-
try of Maubeuge, the former that of Mons. Our faint
dullt himſelf many churches, and ſome monaſteries, as
autmont, in 652, &c. The tranſlation of the relicks
of St. Vedaſt at Arras, was performed by him in 666,
to a church at that time without the walls of the city,
and St. Aubert laid there the foundation of the great
monaſtery which ſtill flouriſhes. It was foon after moſt
munificeniiy endowed by king Thierry or Theodoric III.
—
4
*
1
*
e
2 — f 8 * N
230 SL AVBER:T; 3. C. Dec. 14,
who dying in 691, after a reign. of twenty-one years,
was buried in this monaſtery with his ſecond wife Do-
da, where their monuments are ſeen to this day,
By St. Aubert's zeal religion and ſacred learning flou-
riſhed exceedingly in all Haynault and Flanders. Hay.
ing worthily ſuſtained the burden of the epiſcopal charge
for the ſpace of thirty-ſix years, he died in 669, (ö)
and was buried in St. Peter's church, now a famous ab-
bey of Regular canons in Cambray, which bears his
name, founded in 1066, by St. Lietbert biſhop of Cam-
bray, who alſo founded the Benedictin abbey of St. Se-
pulchre in' Cambray, and died on the 23d of June,
1076. St. Aubert's ſhrine is the richeſt treaſure of this
magnificent church and abbey, | F
His feſtival was kept from the time of his death on
the 1 2th of December, as appears from the moſt ancient
calendars of that and neighbouring churches: from the
Libellus annalis domni Bede preſbyteri, publiſhed by
Martenne from a MS. of St. Maximin's at Triers, up-
wards of 800 years old, (Anecdot. T. 3. Col. 627.) &c.
This feſtival is an holyday at Cambray, where are allo
kept two other annual feaſts in his honour : che elevz-
tion of his relicks when they were firſt enſhrined on the
24th of January: and that of their tranſlation the 51
of July. When Guy or Guiard of Laon was biſhop df
Cambray, (c) William the abbot of St. Aubert's, in 1243
removed them into a new rich ſhrine which he had cauled
to be made by Thomas, a goldſmith of Douay, as we
(b) Thierry III. ſucceeded his brother Clotaire III. in 670, and
ſoon after appointed Hatta the firſt abbot of St, Vedaſt's at Arras. vt.
Aubert died in December the foregoing year, whilſt Clotaire III. (i
reigned. See Mutte, Prev. Comment. F 2. |
(e) Guiard, deſcended from the counts of Laon, and Charibert,
whoſe daughter was married to king Pepin, father of Charlemagne,
was chancellor of Paris, made biſhop of Cambray in 1238. and dt
in 1248. Guiard was eminent for his great learning and piefy ; uro“
on the divine offices: on the duties of prieſts: on the paſſion ot
Chriſt and ſermons, See Oudin, T. 3. p. 126. He aſſiſted at the
famous conference at Paris on the plurality of benefices, in 1235, ®
declared, that he would not be poſſeſſed of two benefices one ſin
night ſor all the gold of Arabia.
Dec: 1
are in
which
tion n
provec
then a
zealou:
1020,
write t
than F
In 102
great f
ward a
Was co
miracle
We h;
interce
Lietarc
Dec. 1 %
> years,
„ife Do-
ig flou-
HFHav-
charge
69, (b)
OUS ab-
ears his
pf Cam-
St, Se-
June,
> of this
eath on
ancient
are allo
> Cleva-
| on the
he sik
ſhop of
haribert,
lemagne,
and cied
y 3 wroe
aſhon ol
| at the
: 3 $, aud
ne ſingle
Dec: 13. 8. AUB ER T, B. C,
are informed by an inſcription on the ſhrine, From
which time this feaſt has been kept. The fame inſerip-
tion mentions that this ſhrine was enlarged and im-
proved in 1275, by James, a goldi{mith at Eſkierchin,
then a conſiderable town. Gerard I. the learned and
zealous biſhop. of Cambray and Arras, about the year
1020, employed the moſt eminent Doctor Fulbert to
write the life of St. Aubert. This could be no other
than Fulbert the celebrated biſhop of Chartres, who died
in 1028, and had been fellow ſcholar with Gerard in the
great ſchool at Rheims under Gerbert of Orleans, after-
ward archbiſhop of Ravenna, and laſtly pope Sylveſter Il.
(4) This life of St. Aubert is given imperfect by Surius z
pied in MS, entire with notes and preliminary diſqui-
tons, by M. Henry Dionyſus Mutte, dean of the me-
wopolitical church of Cambray, and vicar general of the
dioceſs: who added three authentic relations of miracu-
lous cures of perſons ſtruck with a palſy, blind, lame,
&, with a particular detail of the circumſtances of each,
wrought by the interceſſion, and by the touch or pre-
ſence of the relicks of St. Aubert : the firſt wrote under
the ſame biſhop Gerard I. and by his order: the ſecond
was compiled in the eleventh ; and the third relation of
miracles in the twelſth century, in part by eye witneſſes.
We have alſo an account ot miracles wrought by the
nterceſſion of this ſaint in the pariſh church of Hennin
Lietard, in which is preſerved the relick of his jaw- bone.
We have another accurate life of St. Aubert in the
chronicon Camaracenſe & Atrebatenſe, publiſhed by
Dr. Colvenerius at Douay, in 1615, under the name of
baldericus, biſhop of Noyon and Tournay. But the au-
thor declares that he-had been brought up and had always
lived in the ſervice of the church of Cambray, and that
le Wrote it by the order of his biſhop Gerard I. Whereas
the clergy of Noyon in their letter concerning the elec-
non of Baldericus, to the clergy and church of Arras,
apud Baluſ. Miſcell. T. 5. p. 309.) aſſure us, that he
d always lived in the church of Noyon. Baldericus
, (4) Fulbert of Chartres left us ſeveral monuments of his learning
u dls epiſtles, ſermons, penitentiary, ſacred hymns, &e.
22t
— ba A
XY '4
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44
232 B. JOHN MARINONT, c.
Dec. 14,
of - Noyon was only + boy when Gerard I, died. The
author of this Chronicon afterward compiled the life of
St, Gerry, as appears from the preface. See Boſchius
the Bollandiſt, Prev. Comment. in vitam S. Gaugerici
11 Aug. (e) Allo ſee the life of St. Aubert, written
by. a monk in Mabillon, Act. Ben. T. 2. p. 893.
B. Joun Marinont, C. He was the third and
2 ſon of a noble family, originally of Bergamo,
ut was born at Venice, in 1490. — his infancy it
was his chiefeſt delight to be on his knees at the foot of
the altar, and to hear as many maſſes every day as his
employments permitted him. He uſually ſtudied before
crucifix, and ſanctified hisſtudies by moſt frequent fervent
acts of divine love. To beg of God the grace neverto
ſully his baptiſmal innocence, he ſpent forty days in
prayer and a _— faſt in honour of the immaculate
conception of the mother of God, Having embraced
an eccleſiaſtical ſtate, he ſerved among the clergy of d.
Pantaleon's church: and when he was ordained ptieſt,
became chaplain and afterward ſuperior of the hoſpitil
of incurables, in which charitable employ he was a com-
forting angel to all who were under his care. He wi
called hence to be admitted canon in the celebrate!
church of St. Mark, where his life was the edificatio
of his colleagues and of the whole city. Out of a &
fire of ſerving God in a more perfect diſengagemeit
from earthly things, he demanded the habit of the Re.
gular clerks called Theatins, and made his profeſſion u
1530, on the 2gth'of May, being then forty years
age, under the eyes of their founders St. Cajetan,
Caraffa, ancient biſhop of Chieti or Theate, who "
inſtituted this Order fix years before. St. Cajetan bells
called from Venice to found the convent of St. Paul i
hich CoF
n the authority of ae
ſchius in
i 1
(e) The epiſtle and inſcription, u
venerius aſeribed the chronicon of Cambray and Arras to
of Noyon, precentor of Terouenne, are — See Boſchi
vitam 8. Gaugerici 11 Aug. & Mutte, $ 1. Comment. Pra! X
vitam S. Auberti, Upon the ſame apocryphal authority Colvenents
Foppens, &c. mention a Chronicon Tarvanenſe of Baldericys i but
ſuch book appears eyer to have eaiſted,
Dec. 13
Naples,
Marino
admiral
times fi
ſpirit 0
Both
vere o
the pul
vation
cold a
1562.
1762,
his ho!
Dec. 14, be. z. S. OTHILIA, V. A, 233
d. The Wi Naples, took with him our faint. In that great cit
v4 life of Marinoni never ceaſed to preach the word of God with
— 3 . _ —_ and being choſen ſeveral
times ſuperior, ſettled and maintai In 1
TY — 1 155 Order. ee
3. ch by his prayers and ſacrifices in which hi
4 vere often bathed with tears, and by his — in
. and the pulpit and confeſſional he was an inſtrument of ſal-
— ration to many juſt and ſinners. He died of a violent
1 = it cold and fever at Naples on the 13th of December
e — 1562. He was beatified by a bull of Clement XIII. in
ys as his 1762, who, in 1764, granted to his Order an office in
- ore a his honour to be celebrated on the 1 3th of December.
t fervent dee S. Andrew Avellino's letter on his heroic virtues
never to written in 1600. His ſhort life written by Caſtaldi,
days in
naculate
mbraced
y of St,
hoſpital
a com-
He was
lebrated
ification
f a de-
gement
the Re-
eſſion in
cars
an,
ho had
m being
Paul at
hich Cor
Baldericus
oſchius in
evi 10
|yenerils,
3 3 but 00
lixty years after his death, printed at Vicenza i
8 the annals of the Order by Tuffo bihop Ts
J. Thoſe by Silos, T. 1. The life of this ſaint
1. F. Bonaglia, printed at Rome in 1762: That by F.
anchi at Venice, in 4to. and that compiled in French
by F. Tracy, Theatin at Paris, yet in MSS.
St. Orbita, V. Abbeſs. She was a nativ |
rg, and of an illuſtrious family, but = —
atiſbon by St. Erhard, biſhop of that ſee. Her father
_ a great nunnery in Alſace, in which Othilia con-
_ 130 holy nuns in the paths of chriſtian perfection,
4s we in 772. See Caniſius, Raderus, T. 4. p. 7.
1 — way and the Roman marty rology on the 13th
| FO A —
2»
=.
4
1
{4
&
E
1
5
_
4 |
_
i Y
234 8. SPIRIDION, B. C. Deu 14
Fre 4:54 2 ion made
NCM E:.R XIV. bded hir
ns; in their d
St. SPIRIDION, Biſhop, C, as,
zom
From Rufin. 1. 1. e. 5. Socrates, I. 1. c. 12. p. 39. Sozomer, century,
I. 1. c. 11. p. 22. St. Athan. Apol. 2. See alſo his Acts in Me- WWricht to
—— Lipomanus and Surius ; and other Greek Ads of his be Ghle |
life written by Theodorus, biſhop of Paphos, quoted by Joſ. Affe- F
mani in Calend. Univ. ad 12 Dec. p. 453. mended
| ng them
| A. D. 348. berty by
Sy | . f | ed them
Pix tptok, or SPiRIDON, was a native of Cyprus nd ame.
was married, and had a daughter named Irene, who WM... 21
lived always a virgin. His employment was that df
keeping ſheep, which in the patriarchal times even kings
thought not beneath their dignity. In this retired ſtate
ſimplicity and innocence of heart engaged the Almighty
to furniſh him with extraordinary lights in the paths d
virtue, which it was the more eaſy for him ſafely to put:
ſne, as he ſhunned the company of thoſe whole exam-
ple and falſe maxims might have induced him to take
the ſame liberties they did, and fall into a worldly courſe
of life. For there is no more dangerous ſnare to ou!
ſouls than the converſation of that world which 1s con-
demned by the goſpel: that is to ſay, that ſociety and
commerce of men who are animated with the ſpirit 0
Irregular ſelf- love, and that corruption of the heart which
all men inherit from their firſt birth from Adam, and by
which they live who have not vanquiſhed it by glace,
and put on the ſpirit of Chriſt, It is not enough for
Chriſtian to guard himſelf againſt this contagious a
abrcad : he has an enemy at home, a fund of coirupti”
within his own heart, which he muſt reſiſt and pu's*
himſelf of; and this not in part only, but entire)
They deceive themſelves, who deſire to be ſaved through
Chriſt, without taking pains to put on perſectiy ute
ſpirit of Chriſt: they who are willing to give alms, faſt,
and ſpend much time in prayer, but with all this are of
reſerving and ſparing this or that favourite paſſion, =
vanity, this pleaſure, or this ſpirit of revenge. Spit
hazard fc
ng for it
laint's Cu
bme da.:
lime, w
called uf
accordin
Ppiridio!
lalt pork
nemely
aked th
lation w
Cod.
culed hi
(1)
(a) C:
Unph, in|
U univer
Utiquity
Mention
Indion'
of the di
latter, bi
cumuanc
deteſſi: y
of prude
tie aQio
Nee. . 8: 8PIRIDION, B. C. 235
on made ſuch uſe of the advantages which his ſtate af-
ſuded him for virtue, as to ſeem to rival the Macariuſes
iu their deſerts; and he was honoured with the gift of
m'racles.
$0men, who wrote in the beginning of the fiſth
Sozomen, century, tells us, that a gang of thieves attempting one
Qts in Me- Mrgbt to carry off ſome of his ſheep, were ſtopt by an
el Ade meillble hand, ſo that they could neither perpetrate the
ended theft, nor make their eſcape. Spiridion find-
ng them the next morning thus ſecured, ſet them at li-
berry by his prayers, and gave them a ram; but exhort-
a them ſeriouſly to conſider the danger of their ſtate,
and amend their lives; obſerving to them, that they had
uten a great deal of unneceſſary pains, and ran great
Cyprus,
je, who
that of b ard for what they might have made their own by aſk-
n kings ng for it. The ſame hiſtorian ſays, (1) that it was the
ed ſtate BWW: it's cuſtom to faſt in Lent with his whole family for
mighty WW (cs days together, without eating any thing: at which
bath di ime, when he had no bread in his houſe, a traveller
to PU” BY called upon him to reſt and refreſh himſelf on the road,
exam according to the rule of hoſpitality which he practiſed,
to take piridion having nothing elſe in his houſe, ordered ſome
y courle alt pork to be boiled, for he ſaw the traveller was ex-
to 0 ltemely fatigued. Then having prayed ſome time he
Is * aked the divine pardon, that is, prayed that the diſpen-
ety al ation which he judged neceſſary, might be agreeable to
Panic Cod. After this he invited the ſtranger to eat, who ex-
2 by wld himſelf, ſaying that he was a Chriſtian. (a) Spi-
grace, (1) Sozom- 1. 1. c. 11. p. 24. ed. Cantabr, An, 1720.
h for 2 2
dus ail % Calvin and Kemnitius make this fact a mighty ſubject of tri-
ruption * inſerring, that the faſt of Lent was not then of precept, though
univerſal practice. But that it was of precept is manifeſt from
purg* aiquity ; and even in this hiſtory from the traveller's ſcruple, the
ntireh. MMtion of his great wearineſs d Toy girer pda xixperrore, and
hroug] v aſking God pardon ovymapeys derne, or the raiitication
ly the — Ciipenſation. It is clear that Spiridion, who as a rigorous
cf He's ut a great lover of charity and hoſpitality, judged the cir- |
1s, falt; Mnnces with which we are not perfectly acquainted, a ſufficient
are 10 elite for a diſpenſation in the ecclefiaſtical law, which is a point
n, this = caged, and Spiridion was doubtleſs more free than others, or
Spitis «103 would not have been ſingular, or taken notice of by the
hiſtorian.
| demanded of the biſhop after her death; but it was ndt
odr from the devil; which is all that Spiridion meant.
236 S. SPIRIDION, B. C. Dee.
ridion told him, that no meats being by their own na
ture unclean, the rule of faſting admitted a diſpenſation,
St. Spiridion was choſen biſhop of Tremithus, a city o
the ſea-coaſt near Salamis, and continued the ſame ry
ral exerciſe which he had before followed, yet ſo as te
attend his paſtoral functions with great aſſiduity and
devotion, His dioceſs was very ſmall, and the inhabit-
ants were poor, but the Chriſtians very regular in thei
manners; though there remained among them ſeveral
idolaters. St. Spiridion divided his revenue into tuo
parts; the one of which he gave to the poor, the other
he reſerved for his church and houſhold, and for a loan
to lend to ſuch as were in neceſſity, never being (olic-
tous for the morrow. In the perſecution of Maximin
Galerius he made a glorious confeſſion of the faith,
The Roman martyrology tells us, he was one of thoſe
who loſt their right-eye, had the finews of their left
hand cut, and were ſent to work in the mines. He u
one of the 318 prelates who compoſed the firſt genen
council of Nice, and was there diſtinguiſhed among the
holy confeſſors who had ſuffered much for the faith ol
Chriſt. About that time died his daughter Irene. 4
certain perſon had depoſited in her hands a thing of
great value, that it might be the more ſecure. This be
to be found, no body knowing where it was hid. Tit
perſon whoſe loſs it was, appeared extremely afflicted
Socrates and Sozomen ſay, that the good biſhop, mo
ed with compaſſion, went to the place where his daug
ter was buried, called her by her name, and aſked I!
where ſhe had laid what ſuch a perſon had left in be
hands, They add, that ſhe anſwered him, giving dt
hiſtorian. Diſpenſations from Lent were formerly very rare anc V
fcult. The reaſon alleged that all things are clean, s of | '
ſame purport, ſhewing the law to be diſpenſable, it bong only 2 pe
fitive precept of the church. For though it be an act of vive,” g
ſometimes commanded to faſt and abſtain from certain meats =
motives of holy mortification, and both Jews in the old lau, 1
Chriſtians in the new, always obſerved ſolemn faſt-days, it 1 ſup!
tious to abſtain with the Manichees and ſome other heretics, ©
an erroneous perſuaſion that certain meats are in themſelves une
Dec. 14.
gections
be more
holy pre
ſaences,
tion, anc
of God.
cahon a
in that i
eloquent
ſermon :
and wal
man's b.
ful than
a holy 1
add gra
arole an
nght te
cauſe of
and ſho
bonour |
& this
dacre
but ſan
quent, «
ed man
the prix
few age
with gr
How r
have n
ſaints, |
amon
ben,
foul,
s alone
to hold
truth a
diſcour
unctiot
Dec. 14
" OWN na
zenſation,
a city o
ſame ru
fo as to
Juity and
> 1nhabit-
in thei
1 ſeveral]
into two
the other
or a loan
ng ſolie-
laximian
he faith.
of thoſe
hear left-
He was
t general
nong the
faith of
ene, A
thing ol
This he
t was not
d. The
afflicted,
p mov
s daugh-
ked her
t in ber
ving dr
re and dif
18 of the
only 2 po.
virtue, 4
ats out 0
law, ©
is ſuperli-
tics. upon
; unclean,
Dec. 14.
lions where ſhe had hid it in the ground, that it might
be more ſafe: and that it was found there.
8. SPIRIDION, B. c. 237
Though our
holy prelate had very little acquaintance with human
fences, he had made the ſcriptures his daily medita-
tion, and had learned what veneration 1s due to the word
of God. The biſhops of Cyprus being on a certain oc-
ahon aſſembled together, Triphillius, biſhop of Ledri
in that iſland (whom St. Jerom commends as the moſt
coquent man of his time), was engaged to preach a
krmon : and mentioning that paſſage, Yake up thy bed,
and walk, he made uſe of a word to expreſs the ſick
man's bed, which he thought more elegant and beauti-
ful than that in the original text. ( Spiridion, full of
1 holy reſentment at this falſe nicety, and attempt to
add graces to what was more adorned with ſimplicity,
aole and aſked whether the preachen knew better the
nght term than the evangeliſt ? Our ſaint defended the
cauſe of St. Athanaſius in the council of Sardica in 347,
and ſhortly after paſſed to eternal bliſs. The Greeks
honour his memory on the 12th, the Latins on the 14th
d this month.
Sacred learning is neceſſary in a miniſter of the church:
but ſanctity is not leſs neceſſary. Nothing is ſo elo-
quent, or ſo powerfully perſuaſive as example. A learn-
ed man may convince; but to convert ſouls is chief
the privilege of thoſe that are pious. There have been
eu ages in which polite literature has been cultivated
vith greater ardour than the preſent wherein we live.
tow many great orators, how many elegant writers
have made their appearance in it? if theſe were all
ſaints, what a reformation of manners ſhould we ſee
among the people ? It is ſanctity that poſſeſſes the art of
ſoltening the heart, and ſubduing all the powers of the
ful. An edify ing life proves the preacher ſincere, and
8 alone a ſermon which obſtinacy itſelf will find it hard
to hold out againſt : it ſtops the mouth of the enemies of
ruth and virtue. The life, vigour, and juſtneſs of a
courſe are the fruit of wit, genius, and ſtudy : but
unction in words is produced only by the heart. A man
( b) Subſtituting cui for npdB88avcs.
238 $8. - NICASIUS, &c. MM. Dec, 1M Dec. 1
muſt be animated with the ſpirit of God to ſpeak pow the mo
erfully on divine things: the converſien of hearts is i 14cav!
work of God. A father and a mother are ſurpriſed tal *polec
their inſtructions ſeem thrown away upon their children = thou
but let them remember, that if they ſpoke the language with tl
of men and angels, if they have not themſclves charity Cod c
or true piety, they are only a founding trumpet, Chi deacon
dren, in their moſt tender infancy, obſerve with incre lde.
dible penetration and ſagacity every word and action of elt ip:
others, eſpecially of thoſe whom they revere and lovt: boldly
in theſe they naturally diſcern and read the ſpirit of al able TE
the paſſions with which ſuch perſons are actuated, deep her
imbibe the ſame, learn to think and act from them, ard ed her
are entirely moulded upon this model. The children f Pa wer
worldly parents will probably differ from them only in ny mi
this, that their paſſions by being ſtrengthened ſo early, church
will become with age more blind and headſtrong; the nat
conore
On THE Same Dax. — :
88. Nic asius, ninth Archbiſhop of Rheims, 200 ral, v
his Companions, MM. In the fifth century an army to God
Barbarians from Germany ravaging part of Gaul, plu x |
dered the city of Rheims. (a) Nicaſius, the holy bithvy, « Gre
had foretold this calamity to his flock. When he lv *
the enemy at the gates and in the ſtreets; forgetting ore
himſelf, and ſolicitous only for his dear {piritual chi are of
dren, he went from door to door encouraging all to pt
tience and conſtancy, and awaking in every one's brealt
—
9
*
2.
pf LISTS he \ l —
mY > wn eb, 2
WI * rr
a
(a) Tillemont thinks theſe barbarians were Goths, and that tie St,
Vandals were Arians before they left their own country in the gl
of Germany. But how could they there have received chritianty's From tl
early as in the beginning of the fifth century? How could cu See 1
lico, by birth a Vandal, hope to advance his pagan ſon Kucher'v") Ork,
the help of the Vandals by opening the Pagan temples and res
idolatry, for which attempt he and his ſon were put to 2
Ortoſius relates, if they were not then idolaters in 407 ; though * 8
middle of the fame fifth century they were Arians, as appears my T
Salvian, I. 7. and king Genferic in 428 ? Stilting ſhews that dt. _—_ of Sar
ſuffered under the Vandals in 407. of which irrupti0n of the ! yo cha
dals S. Jerom ſpeaks in his epiſtle to Ageruchio in 409. T Ni ans
wg in his life of S. Virentius the immediate predecetior 9! Chil ſtituta
cafius, on the 75th of September, T. 3. p. 65. and Gall
nov. T. 9 p. 6.
a7 ky Ap — - -
© * — +. 3
Fes
ern
- "= | ” CS
—
—
#4
Dec. 1.
ealk pon
arts is the
riſed that
children
language
s Charity
T, Chil
th incre
action of
ind love;
rit of all
d, deepiy
hem, ard
uldren of
1 Only 10
ſo eath,
2.
5
ims, 4:0
army ck
ul, plan-
y biſhop.
n he (av
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tnal chil
all to pe
's breall
d that the
the norm
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| count $i
ucherivs0f
d reſto7'0
Dec. 15»
the moſt heroic ſentiments of piety and religion. In
endeavouring to ſave the lives of ſome of his flock, he
expoſed himſelf to the ſwords of the infidels, who after
a thouland inſults and indignities (which he endured
with the meekneſs and fortitude of a true diſciple of a
God crucified for us) cut off his head. Florens, his
deacon, and Jocond, his lector, were maſſacred by his
ide, His ſiſter Eutropia, a virtuous virgin, ſeeing her-
lt ſpared in order to be reſerved for wicked purpoſes,
boldly cried out to the infidels, that it was her unalter-
able reſolution rather to ſacrifice her life, than her faith
or her integrity and virtue.
ed her with their cutlaſſes.
pa were buried in the church- yard of St. Agricola. Ma-
8. EUS EB IU S, B. 239
Upon which they diſpatch-
St. Nicaſius and St. Eutro-
ny miracles rendered their tombs illuſtrious, and this
church was converted into a famous abbey, which bears
tie name of St. Nicaſius, and is now a member of the
congregation of St, Maur. The archbiſhop Fulco, in
$93, tranſlated the body of St. Nicaſius into the cathe-
dal, which the martyr himſelf had built, and dedicated
w God in honour of the Bleſſed Virgin Mary. His
head is kept in the abbey of St. Vedaſt at Arras, See
S. Gregory of Tours, and Gall. Chr. nov. T. g. p. 6.
The Acts of St. Nicaſius in Surius (14 Dec.) were wrote
before Hincmar, probably in the ſeventh century, but
are of ſmall importance, as Dom Rivet obſerves.
D'E-CB-M-B- ER XV;
St. EUSEBIUS, Biſhop of Vercelli.
From the fathers and eccleſiaſtical hiſtorians of the fourth century.
dee Tillemont, Ughelli, T. 4. p. 1044. Ceillier, T. 5. p. 440.
Orſi, J. 14 Fleury, I, 13. n. 14, 16, and 41. . 15. n. 30. 5
A. D. 371.
W EuseBius was born of a noble family in the iſle
of Sardinia, where his father is ſaid to have died in
Chains for the faith. His mother, whoſe name was Re-
lituta, being left a widow, carried him and a daughter
4
e
n
7 Wa CI r | N bo
5 T ? = * 4 93 w 3 * [ —
TI
Aa #
16 4 44 T
14 ” —» N
* = 3
Ly A *
0 * » .
*
240 kk ü mes A ins
ſhe had, both in their infancy, to Rome. (1) Euſch
was brought up in the practice of piety, and in the ſtud
of ſacred learning, and ordained lector by St. Sylveſte
We know not by what accident he was called to Ver
celli, a city now in Piemont. He ſerved that chur
among the clergy with ſuch applauſe, that the epiſcope
chair becoming vacant, he was unanimouſly choſen b
the clergy and people to fill it. He is the firſt biſhop
of Vercelli, whoſe name we know. St. Ambroſe aſlure
us, that he was the firſt who in the Weſt united the
monaftic life with the clerical, living himſelf and mak
ing his clergy in the city live almoſt in the ſame man
ner as the monks in the Eaſt did in the deſerts, The
ſhut themſelves up in one houſe with their paſtor, and
exerciſed themſelves night and day in a heavenly vat
fare, continually occupied in the praiſes of God, having
no other ambition than to appeaſe his anger by fervent
and uninterrupted prayers. Their minds were alwas
employed in reading, or at work. * Can any thing
be more admirable than this life,“ cries out St. Am-
broſe, where there is nothing to fear, and every thing
is worthy of imitation ! Where the auſterity of faſting
is compenſated by tranquillity and peace of mind, ſup-
ported by example, ſweetened by habit, and charmed
by the occupations of virtue! This life is neither trou-
bled with temporal cares, nor diſtracted with the tu
mults of the world, nor hindered by idle viſits, nor fe-
laxed by the commerce of the world.” The holy bi
ſhop ſaw that the beſt and firſt means to labour effec-
tually for the edification and ſanctification of bis peopie
was to form a clergy under his eyes, on whoſe innocence
piety, and zeal in the functions of their miniſtry it
could depend. In this deſign he ſucceeded ſo well, tha
other churches earneſtly demanded his diſciples for thei
biſhops, and a great number of holy prelates came out
of his ſchool, who were burning and ſhining lamps '8
the church of God. He was at the fame time vey
careful tio inſtruct his flock, and inſpire them with the
maxims of the goſpel. Many moved by his exhortat
ons, embraced virginity to ſerve God in purity of heath
(1) St. Ambr. ep. 63. p. 1038. St. Hier. in Catal. c. 96.
c. 15.
mchout b
world, 1
jeared ir
Chriſt ca
elired to
orce of t
jerſuaded
ad ſtill
ers encc
ind all \
utue, |]
hout t.
The A
uthority
pope Libe
lati to be
ter at A.
Conſtanti
$55, whi
being all
rough t
Nelates v
Was preſſe
der of
bo reſiſt t
Magician,
duded hi
Ws admi
nliſted o.
« St. At
the chief
be conde
de faith,
lus name
be moſt
lands, at
motion fe
red the
Were th
ded, ar
(2) Lit
id
Dec. 14
Euſehi
the ſtud
Sy lveſte
to Ver
at chur
epilcopa
hoſen b
ſt biſhog
ſe aſſure
lited the
nd mak
me man
4
tor, and
aly war
, having
fervent
e always
y thing
St. Am-
ry thing
faſting
nd, ſup-
harmed
c. 15. = © EUSEBIDS, B, 241
idhout being divided by the cares or pleaſures of the
yorld. In a ſhort time the whole city of Vercelli ap-
reared inflamed with the fire of divine love which Jeſus
Chriſt came to bring on earth, and which he ardently
&lired to ſee kindled in all hearts. Convicted by the
kice of the truth which the zealous paſtor preached,
xrſuaded by the ſweetneſs and charity of his conduct,
ud ſtill more powerfully excited by his examples, ſin-
zers encouraged themſelves to a change of their lives,
ud all were animated to advance more and more in
nue. But his ſanctity would have been imperfect
without the trial of perſecutions, |
The Arians governed all things by violence under the
uthority of the Arian emperor Conſtantius. In 354
vpe Liberius deputed St. Euſebius with Lucifer of Cag-
ati to beg leave of that emperor, Who paſſed the win-
tr at Arles in Gaul, to aſſemble a free council. (2)
Conſtantius agreed to a council, which met at Milan in,
$55, whilſt the emperor reſided in that city. Euſebius
being all things would be there carried on by violence
ough the power of the Arians, though the Catholic
relates were more numerous, refuſed to go to it till he
us preſſed by Liberius himſelf, and by his legates Lu-
aer of Cagliari, Pancratius, and Hilary, (3) in order
brefiſt the Arians, as St. Peter had done Simon the
magician. When he was come to Milan the Arians ex-
duded him the council for the ten firſt days. When he
"s admitted, he laid the Nicene creed on the table, and
nſted on all ſigning that rule of faith before the cauſe
& St. Athanaſius ſhould be brought to an hearing: for
lie chief drift of the heretics was to procure if poſſible
condemnation of that moſt formidable champion of
be faith, St. Dionyſius of Milan offered to ſubſcribe
Us name to the creed: but Valens biſhop of Murſia,
moſt furious of the Arians, tore the paper out of his
ds, and broke his pen. The Arians, to ſet aſide the
Wtion for the previous ſigning the Nicene creed, pro4
ared the removal of the ſynod to the emperor's palace,
Were the ſubſcription to the Catholic faith was ſuper-
and the condemnation of St. Athanaſius immedi-
beer ep. 5,6.
(3) Sulpit, Sever. S. Athan, S. Hilary,
OU. XII. R
*
Wr
242 8. EUSEBIUS, B. Dec. 13
ately brought upon the carpet. Many were gained by
the artifices of the Arians, or intimidated by the threats
of the emperor, and ſigned the ſentence which was pro-
nounced againſt him, St. Dionyſius of Milan had once
given his ſubſcription, only exacting a promiſe that the
Arians would receive the Nicene faith. But St. Euſebius
of Vercelli diſcovered the ſnare to him, and in order to
withdraw his friend's ſubſcription, objected that he
could not ſign the ſentence after Dionyſus, who was
younger, and his ſon. (4) Upon which the Arians con-
ſented to, blot out the name of Diony ſius: and both af-
terward peremptorily refuſed to ſubſcribe a decree which
was injurious to an innocent and holy prelate. The em-
peror {ent for St. Euſebius, St. Dionyſus, and Lucifer
of Cagliari, and preſſed them to condemn Athanaſius
They inſiſted upon his innocence, and that he could not
be condemned without being heard. I am his ac-
cuſer,” ſaid Conſtantius: believe upon my word, the
charge brought againſt him.” The biſhops anſwered:
This is not a ſecular affair, that requires your opinion
as emperor.” Conſtantius took them up in anger, (ay-
ing: My will ought to paſs for a rule. The biſhops
of Syria are ſatisfied that it ſhould be ſo. Obey, or you
ſhall be baniſhed.” The biſhops repreſented to him, that
he muſt one day give an account to God of his admi-
niſtration. The prince, in the tranſport of his rage,
thought once of putting them to death: but was con-
tent to baniſh them. The officers entered the ſanctuary,
tore the holy prelates from the altar, and conducded
them to different places. Dionyſius was ſent into Cap
padocia, where he died. He is commemorated in the
Roman martyrology on the 25th of May. Lucifer was
baniſhed to 8 in Syria, of which city EudoxW,
a celebrated Arian, was biſhop; and our faint to 5cy-
thopolis, in Paleſtine, there to be treated at the dilcre-
tion of the Arian biſhop Patrophilus. Their chains did
not hinder them from ſerving the church, and they con.
founded the heretics wherever they went. Pope Lib-
- (4) See this account in the anonymous author of the eleventh ſer
mon attributed to St, Ambroſe, and in Tillemont, I. 7.
Dec. 15.
nus wrot
hem to
St. Eu
bleph, a
tus and
ties of
kbliſtenc
kancy of
neſts w.
tis abſen
bs fellow
vas to |
ted, an-
ulted th
tte ſtree!
nd at la
fr four
tim do
kllow-cc
ad aban
Dec, 1,
ned by
threats
vas pro-
ad once
hat the
Luſebius
order to
that he
ho was
ins con-
both af-
e which
"he em-
Lucifer
anaſius,
ld not
his ac-
Yd, the
ſwered:
opinion
er, ſay-
biſhops
or you
m, that
s admi-
s rage,
vas con-
1Ctuary,
nducted
to Cap-
in the
ifer was
udoxus,
to Scy-
> dilcre-
ains did
ey con-
Libs
-enth ſer
Dee. 15.
rus wrote to them a letter of congratulation, exhorting
dem to courage and conſtancy.
g. 1018110 243
St. Euſebius was lodged at firſt with the good count
bſeph, and was comforted by the viſits of St. Epipha-
ius and other holy men, and by the arrival of the de-
puties of his church of Vercelli, with preſents for his
kbliſtence. He wept for joy to hear of the zeal and con-
kancy of his whole flock in the Catholic faith under the
neſts whom he had appointed to govern his church in
lis abſence. A great ſhare of the preſents he gave to
k fellow-confeſiors, and to the poor.
ws to be exerciſed by
ded, and the Arians, with the emperor's officers, in-
luted the faint, dragged him on the ground through
But his patience
reater trials. Count Joſeph
le ſtreets, ſometimes carried him backwards half naked,
nd at laſt ſhut him up in a little chamber, plying him
br four days with all manner of violences, to engage
lim to conform, They forbad his deacons and other
klow-confeſſors to be admitted to ſee him. The faint
ud abandoned his body to ſuffer all manner of evil treat-
nents from their hands, without opening his mouth all
fat while: but ſeeing himſelf debarred of his only
onfort and ſupport, he ſent a letter to the Arian bi-
op Patrophilus, with the following direction: Euſe-
bus, the ſervant of God, with the other ſervants of
bod who ſuffer with me for the faith, to Patrophilus,
be fler, and to his officers.” After a ſhort relation of
Wat he had ſuffered, he deſired that his deacons might
alowed to come to him. After he remained in that
ulinement four days without eating, the Arians ſent
m back to his lodgings, Twenty-five days afterward
de came again, armed with clubs, broke down a wall
u the houſe, and dragged him again into a little dun-
>, with a prieſt named Tegrinus. They rifled his
Sings, plundered all his proviſions, and caſt many
* monks, and even nuns into the public priſons.
. Euſebiug found means to write a letter out of his dun-
= to his flock, extant in Baronius, in which he men-
dus theſe particulars, His ſufferings here were aggra-
guad every day, till the place of his exile was changed
, place of his exile was changed.
From Scythopolis he was ſent into Cappadocia; and
R 3
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244 nne
ſome time afterwards into Upper Thebais in Egypt. We
have a letter which he wrote from this third place of his
baniſhment to Gregory biſhop of Elvire, to encounge
him vigorouſly to oppoſe Oſius (who had unhappily fal-
en) and all who had forſaken the faith of the church,
without fearing the power of kings. He expreſſes a de-
fire to end his life in ſufferings, that he might be glori
fied in the. kingdom of God. This ſhort letter diſcovers
the zeal of a holy paſtar, joined with the courage of a
martyr. Conſtantius being dead, towards the end of
the year 361 Julian gave leave to all the baniſhed pre
lates to return to their fees. St. Euſebius left Thebais
and came to Alexandria, to concert meaſures with 8.
Athanaſius for applying proper remedies to the evils
the church. He was preſent, and ſubſcribed immedi
ately after St. Athanaſius, in the council held there in
362, by which it was reſolved to allow the penitent pre-
lates, who had been deceived by the Arians, eſpecially
at Rimini, to, preſerve their dignity. From Alexandria
our faint went to Antioch, to endeayour to extingulli
the great ſchiſm there: but found it widened by Lucifer
of Cagliari, who had blown up the coals afreſh, and o.
dained Paulinus biſhop. - He would not communicate
with Paulinus, but made haſte out of Antioch, Lact
fer reſented this behaviour, and broke off communion
with him, and with all who with the late council of &
lexandria received the Arian biſhops in their dignity up-
on their return to the true faith. This was the origi
of the ſchiſm of Lucifer, who by pride loſt the fruit >
his former zeal and ſufferings.
St. Euſebius travelled over the Eaſt, and through lly-
ricum, confirming in the faith thoſe that were waveril$
and bringing back many that were gone aſtray. Italy, al
his return, changed its mourning garments, accordilg
to the expreſſion of St. Jerom, There St. Hilary |
Poitiers and St. Euſebius met, and were employed in o.
poſing the Arians, particularly Auxentius of Milan:
but that crafty heretic had gained the favour of Ve
lentinian, and maitained himſelf under his protec”
againſt the united zealous efforts of St. Hilary and St. El
ſebius, St. Jerom, in his chronicle, places the deat 0
Dec. 1g,
Dec. 15.
the latte
on the 1
old pane
the work
works tl
of Verci
It. Mat!
Euſebiu:
hundred
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give his
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Into an
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Dec. 15,
pt. We
e of his
courage
ly fall-
church,
es a de-
de glon-
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age of 4
end of
ied pre-
Thebais,
with St.
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1d St. El-
> death of
S. EUSEBIVUS, B. 243
Dec. 15%
he latter in 351. An ancient author ſays it happened
n the 1ſt of Auguſt. He is ſtyled a martyr in two
dd panegyrics in his praiſe, printed in the appendix of
he works of St. Ambroſe, There only remain of his
works the three epiſtles above quoted. In the cathedral
of Vercelli is ſhewn an old MS. copy of the goſpels of
d Matthew and St. Mark, ſaid to be written by St.
Euſebius : it was almoſt worn out with age near eight
hundred years ago, when king Berengarius cauſed it to
be covered with plates of filver. The body of St. Eu-
ſebius is laid in a ſhrine raiſed above a fide altar in the
athedral at Vercelli. The Roman miſſal and breviary
give. his office on the 15th of December, which is pro-
bably the day on which his rehcks were removed: for his
dame occurs in ancient calendars on the iſt of Auguſt.
The holy fathers who by their zeal and learning mains
tained the true faith, ſhunned the dangerous rocks of
eor, becauſe in their ſtudies they followed the rules
kid down by divine fevelation, and made fincere hu-
mility the foundation of all their literary purfuits. Con-
ious that they were liable to miſtakes, they entertained
| modeſt diffidetice' in themſelves and theit own, judg-
nent, and ſaid with St. Auſtin: I may err, but an
teretic I will never be.” This humility and caution is a
lure guard againſt any fatal errors in religion, or danger-
ous miſcarriages in civil conduct, with regard to literary
atempts, into which an overbearing, pride chiefly be-
nys men. How may by it become pedants, falling
to an oſtentatious ſhew of trifling or pretended learn-
ng! How many are perpetually wrangling and dif-
Paing, eager not for the point in debate, but for the
"Uory, and deſirous to diſplay their imaginary parts?
ow many teaſe all company by their impertinence,
ing always of mythology, metaphyſics, or the jar-
>" of the ſchools, (4). or ſtun others with the loudneſs
9 their voice, or an overbearing tone of authority?
(2) Dieu me garde detre ſgavant
D'une Felence fi prefande :
Les plus doctes le plus fonwent
Sont les plus ſottes gens du monde.
Chev. de Cailly,
246 ; 8. A D O, B. Co Dec, 16,
Many, in ſtudying, purſue their ſpeculations fo far, 2
to loſe ſight of common ſenſe, and by too intenſe an Win the mi
application to things beyond their ſphere, overſet and imous fe
unhinge their underſtanding. Many miſtake the wildeſt Wis wit,
fancies of their brain for reaſon. Hence Cicero juſtly WM ſtudies, :
remarks, that nothing can be invented ever fo abſurd or WW ity, and
monſtrous, which has not been ſaid by ſome of the phi- Witc&tion:
loſophers. How many hereſies have been fet up by WW gaged
ſcholars among Chriſtians ? The root of theſe abuſes is WW knding |
a ſecret vanity, ſelf-ſufficiency or complacency in an WM uktul ſc
opinion of their own knowledge or penetration, which Wi pirit in
ſcholars eaſily entertain. So true it is, as the apoſtle ¶ ¶ umpenſ
tells us, that ſcience puffs up; not of itſelf, but through Wi peat an
the propenſity of the human heart to pride. It is there- WW and by 1
fore, neceſſary that every ſtudent learn, in the firſt MW and plea
place, never to truſt in his own abilities, and make mo- birth anc
deſty and humility, by which men know themſelves 8 noblema
the foundation of his learning. The moſt ignorant Bl « gloſſe
among ſcholars are uſually the moſt apt to over- rate theit BW uch a
knowledge and abilities, Guy gr
Nec. 16.
uments C
ng leſt
The Iriſh commemorate on this day St. FLORENCE, 5 No he
or F LANN, abbot of Benchor . Colgan M88. cration (
llgious |
Db E c E M B E R XVI. 95
0 ä T Prom, \
St. A D O, Archbiſhop of Vienne, C. rs,
| 0! kavoi
From his life collected by Mabillon, T. 6. Act. Ben. p. 281. St *
N Ceillier, T. 19. p. 247. taugh
| ble the
A. D. 875. tre ly te
Apo was born in the dioceſs of Sens, towards Gt Io
tinois, about the year 800, and was of one of the ric .
eſt and moſt noble families of that country. It was the ke
principal care of his religious parents to ſeck are. wh
maſters, and companions who ſhould concur toge! i ty —
by their maxims, example, interior ſpirit, and pru a well 7
and earneſt inſtructions to form the morals of their — 344
and inſpire into his ſoul the moſt tender and perfect ſe
Dec. 16,
far, as
tenſe an
rſet and
» wildeſt
o juſtly
bſurd or
the phi-
up by
bules is,
in an
„ Which
apoſtle
through
is there
the firſt
ike mo-
mſelves
gnorant
ate theit
RENCE,
© pirit in his heart.
Dec. 16. S. AD O, B. C. 247
iments of chriſtian piety. All this they happily found
n the monaſtery of Ferrieres in Gatinois, at that time
amous for learning and diſcipline. The pregnancy of
his wit, the ſolidity of his judgment, his aſſiduity at his
ſtudies, and above all his humble obedience and doci-
ty, and his ſincere piety, gained him the eſteem and
ifetions of the abbot Sigulph, and all his maſters ; and
engaged them to redouble their care and attention in
knding him every aſſiſtance to adorn his mind with all
ueful ſcience, and to form the moſt perfect chriſtian
Their pains were abundantly re-
wmpenſed by the great progreſs which he made. Many
geat and powerful friends ſought, by ſoothing flatteries,
ad by ſetting before him the lure of worldly honours
ad pleaſures, to engage him in the career which his
birth and abilities opened to him. But the pious young
nobleman was not to be impoſed upon by ſpecious words
ar gloſles, He ſaw clearly the dangers which attended
uch a courſe, and the cheat of that falſe blaze of ſhaz
dowy greatneſs which ſeemed to ſurround it ; and dread-
ug leſt in ſuch a ſtate any thing could cauſe a diviſion
n his heart, or ſlacken his ardour in the entire conſe-
cation of himſelf to the divine ſervice, he took the re-
lgous habit in that houſe, reſolving never to ſerve any
ther maſter but God alone, :
The faint was yet young when Marcvard, abbot. of
from, who had formerly been himſelf a monk of Fer-
neres, begged of the abbot of Ferrieres as the greateſt
d favours that Ado might teach the ſacred ſciences in
lis monaſtery, The requeſt could not be refuſed. Ado
taught, as to endeavour to make his hearers truly ſen-
ible that if ſtudies even of ' morality and religion en-
ureſy terminate in a barren knowledge of thoſe truths,
"hout acquiring the interior habits, ſentiments and
dpolitions which they inculcate, though they may
meumes be ſerviceable to others, they are not only
ulleſs, but pernicious to thoſe who are poſſeſſed of them.
dence, without advancing at the ſame time in humi-
'y and virtue, ſerves only to heighten vanity, and to
well and puff up the mind. For men who ſtudy only
o turniſh themielves with materials to ſhine in conver-
=
, — — — — + ͤ˖¶
248 . AD 0, C Dec. 16,
ſation, and to fill their heads with a ſet of notions, which
never fink deep into, or influence the heart, fall into an
overweening conceit of themfelves, and are as much
under the bias of pride as worldly libertines are enſlaved
to an inordinate love of riches, honour, or pleaſures,
Our faint therefore inſtructed his ſcholars how to form
rules for the conduct of their lives, to examine into
themſelves, to ſubdue their paſſions, and by converſing
continually in heaven, to put on an heavenly pint,
Thus he laboured to make all that were under his care
truly ſervants of God : and it pleaſed God to ſuffer him
to fall under grievous trials, that by them he might
complete the work of his own ſanctification, and the en-
tire facrifice of his heart. After the death of Marcvard,
be was, through envy and jealouſy, expelled the houſe,
treated with great contempt, and oppreſſed by outrage
ous ſlanders. Ado took this opportunity to viſit the
tombs: of the apoſtles at Rome, and ſtaid five years in
that city. From thence he removed to Ravenna, where
he found an old martyrology, of which he took a copy,
which he improved by many additions and corrections,
and publiſhed about the year 858. (a) He allo co
piled a chronicle, and wrote the lives of St. Defideris
and St. Chef. When he returned out of Italy, he made
a halt at Lyons, and St. Remigius, archbiſhop of thit
ſee, detained him there, and having obtained leave of
the abbot of Ferrieres, gave him charge of the pari
church of St. Romanus, near Vienne. The celebrated
Lupus, who had been choſen abbot of Ferrieres, and
who is well known by his hundred and thirty letters,
feveral little treatiſes, became his zealous advocate, 4"
the ſee of Vienne falling vacant, he was choſen wo
ſhop, and conſecrated in September $60. The yea! —
lowing he received the pall from pope Nicholas, u.
the decrees of a Roman council, the purport of wil
was, to check certain diſorders which had crept into
veral churches in France.
(a) The beſt edition of Ado's martyrology was that of Role
before Monſignor Georgi, ſecretary to Benedict XIV. favour *
with a new one far more correct, and enriched with notes and u
diſſettat ions.
Der. 16.
Ado's
he was ſt
when in
with the
atigable
uſually b
the like
you in tt
lo you,
all candi
mined,
he regu
al and
duct of
of the al
acred l
but alſo
kduity |
mermil
diſhing
great ca
chriſtiat
or to be
the (act
Vigtlan
themſel
rate thi
ae dan
tions, {
ample,
.
about |
In his
obſting
them t
irons
greate
ſephe
ſheep,
en,
Aliſtec
Dec. 16,
„Which
into an
S much
>nſlaved
leaſures,
to form
ne mto
nverling
Y ſpirit.
nis care
ffer him
2 might
the en»
arcvard,
e houſe,
Dutrage
iſit the
ears in
, where
a copy.
ections
fo com-
f1derivs
je made
of that
eave of
: pariſh
ebrated
'ES, and
IS,
te, and
archbt-
ear —
18, wil
f which
into ſe-
oſweidus,
Der. 16.
8. 4D 0, N C. 240
Ado's promotion made no change in his behaviour:
te was ſtill the ſame. humble, modeſt, mortified man as
zhen in a cloiſter, and endeavoured to inſpire his flock
zich the like ſentiments and diſpoſitions. He was inde-
igable in preſſing the great truths of ſalvation. He
afually began his ſermons and exhortations with theſe or
the like words: Hear the eternal truth which ſpeaks to
you in the goſpel.” Or, Hear Jeſus Chriſt, who faith
you,” &c. It was a principal part of his care, that
il candidates for holy orders ſhould be rigorouſly exa-
mined, and he would be preſent at theſe examinations:
He regulated the public ſervice of the church with much
al and wiſdom, and made ſtrict enquiry into the con-
duct of all thoſe who were called to ſerve in the miniſtry
of the altar, not only with regard to their progreſs in
acred learning, and the regularity of their manners,
but alſo with regard to their (ſpirit of devotion, and aſ-
lduity in conftant prayer. The faint laboured without
mermiſſion for the reformation of manners, and eſta-
diſhing good diſcipline among the people. He took
great care that all that were ignorant of the principles of
chriſtianity ſhould be forbid to be ſponſors at baptiſm,
or to be joined in matrimony, or admitted to any of
the ſacraments till they were better inſtructed. By his
Vigilance no quarter was given to all thoſe who indulged
themſelves in any vicious practice, in pleaſures that ener-
rate the foul, or in amuſements and diverſions which
we dangerous to innocence. What enforced his inſtruc-
tions, and gave them weight and efficacy, was his ex-
imple, His life was moſt auſtere; he was in every
thing ſevere to himſelf, and all the clergymen that were
about him were enjoined to appriſe him of the leaſt flip
n his behaviour. Though he was inflexible towards
obſtinate ſinners, and employed every means to bring
them to repentance, when he found them ſincerely de-
ous to return to God, he received them with the
xateſt tenderneſs and indulgence, imitating the good
hepherd, who came down from heaven to ſeek the loſt
cep, and carried them back to the fold on his ſhoul-
— By his care the poor were every where tenderly
ied with every corporal and ſpiritual comfort and
250 S, AD O, B. C.
expence.
ſeriouſly engaged in the noble conteſt, which of them
ſhould beſt fulfil his obligations in their full extent,
which are all reduced to thoſe which tie him to his Crea-
tor; for on a man's concern for them depends his te.
gard for all others. Religion alone can make mankind
good and happy; and thoſe who act under its influence,
are ſteady in the diſintereſted purſuit of every virtue,
and in the diſcharge of every duty even toward the
world, their families, and themſelves. To ſum up the
whole character of this good prelate in two words, Ado
knew all the obligations of his poſt, and diſcharged them
with the utmoſt exactneſs and fidelity. He diſtinguiſh»
ed himſelf in many councils abroad, and held himſelf
ſeveral councils at Vienne to maintain the purity of faith
and manners; though only a fragment of that which
he celebrated in 870 is extant. When king Lothaire
ſought pretexts to divorce his queen Thietberge, out
holy prelate obliged him to deſiſt from that unjuſt pro-
ject; and he had a great ſhare in many public tranſatt:
ons, in which the intereſt of religion was concerned,
For pope Nicholas I. king Charles the Bald, and Lew
of Germany had the greateſt regard for him, on account
of his prudence and ſanctity, and paid a great deference
to his advice. In the hurry of employments his mind
was as recollected, as if his whole buſineſs lay within
the compaſs of his own private concerns. The mult.
plicity of affairs never made him the leſs conſtant i
prayer, or leſs rigorous in his mortifications. Tore
the lives of the ſaints, and to conſider their edifying att
ons in order to imbibe their ſpirit, and quicken his ou
ſoul in the practice of piety, was an exerciſe in which
he always found ſingular comfort and delight, and #
great help to devotion, And like the induſtrious bee,
which ſucks honey from every flower, he endeavou!
to learn from the life of every faint ſome new practice ©
virtue, and to treaſure up in his mind ſome new mavn
of an interior life. From thus employing his thoughts
on the ſaints, ſtudying to copy their virtues, and affec-
Dec. 16,
ſuccour they could ſtand in need of, and many hoſpitals
were raiſed for their reception and entertainment at his
It was his earneſt deſire to fee all Chriſtians
Nec, 16,
tonately
ply pall
God wit
ng bee!
noured
Roman
This
ſhips, al
number]
Way, a
careful]
direCtic
loſe an
and the
eeape
is the
greater
have t]
It
are boi
precep
Copied
to this
them «
me, as
Placed
Dec. 16,
hoſpitals
it at his
-hriſtians
of them
extent,
1s Crea-
his re-
nankind
fluence,
7 virtue,
/ard the
up the
ds, Ado
ed them
1nguiſhe
himſelf
of faith
t which
Lothaire
„ our
pro-
ranſadti
1cerned,
d Lewis
Account
eference
is mind
within
e multi-
ſtant in
To read
ing acti-
his own
1 which
, and 4
us bee,
avour
Actice of
maxim
houghts
d affec-
Dec. 16. 8. A D O, B. GS 251
tonately and devoutly honouring them in God, he hap-
ply paſſed to their glorious ſociety, eternally to enjoy
God with them, on the 16th of December, 875, hav-
ng been biſhop fifteen years, three months. He 1s ho-
noured in the church of Vienne, and named in the
Roman martyrology on this day.
This mortal life 1s a pilgrimage, full of labours, hard-
ſhips, and perils, through an inhoſpitable deſert, amidſt
numberleſs by-paths, and abounding with howling wild
beaſts. And the greateſt danger frequently is the mul-
titude of thoſe who go aſtray before us. We follow
their ſteps without giving ourſelves leiſure to think, and
ue thus led into ſome or other of theſe devious broad
roads, which unawares draw all that are engaged in
them headlong down the dreadful precipice into eternal
flames. Amidſt theſe, one only narrow path, which
ſeems beſet with briars and thorns, and is trodden by a
ſmall number of courageous ſouls, leads to happineſs;
ad amongſt thoſe who enter upon it, many in every
part fall out of it into ſome or other of the devious tracts
ad windings which terminate in deſtruction. Amidſt
theſe alarming dangers we have a ſure guide: the light
« divine revelation ſafely points out to us the ſtraight
vay, and Chriſt bids us follow him, walk by his ſpirit,
carefully tread in his ſteps, and keep always cloſe to his
direction. If ever we forſake his divine guidance, we
ble and bewilder ourſelves. He is the way, the truth,
and the life, Many faints have followed this rule, and
eſcaped all dangers, who ſeem to cry out to us: This
s the right way: walk you in it.” Can we have a
Feater comfort, encouragement, or aſſiſtance than to
ve them always before our eyes? The example of a
made man for us, is the greateſt model which we
are bound continually to ſtudy in his divine life and
precepts. Thoſe who in all ſtations in the world have
copied his holy maxims and conduct, ſweetly invite us
to this imitation of our divine original: every one af
nem cries out to us with St. Paul: (1) Be ye followers of
ne, as 1 alſo am of Chriſt. Their example, if always
Placed before our eyes, will withhold us from being
(1) 1 Cor. xi, 1,
JJ ᷣͤ
. ain 7
252 S. ALICE, Empreſs. Dec. 16,
hurried away by the torrent of the world, and its per-
nicious maxims: and the remembrance of their heroj
conflicts, and the ſight of the crowns they now enjoy,
will be our comfort and ſupport. What can give us
greater joy in this valley of tears, than to think often
on the bliſs which theſe glorious conquerors already poſ-
ſeſs, and on the means by which they attained to it!
We ourſelves preſs cloſe after them, and even now are
not far from the ſame glory; for we live on the borders
of it. The, longeſt life is very ſhort : and every mo-
ment in it may by the leaſt unexpected incident ingulph
us ſuddenly in the abyſs of eternity, and remove us
into the ſociety of theſe glorious ſaints. Can we deſire
this bliſs, and not love, honour and always bear them
in mind ? *
On tae saneg Day,
St. Arier or ApELaipe, Empreſs. The ſecond king
dom of Burgundy called alfo of Arles, was erected by
Charles the Bald, emperor and king of France, wiv
in 879 beſtowed Burgundy, Provence, Breſſe and Dau-
phine with this title on his brother-in-law Boſe, deſcend.
ed by the mother from Lewis Debonnair, (a) Rudolph
or Ralph J. king of Burgundy, was father to St. Alice,
whom he left at his death in 927 only fix years old.
At ſixteen ſhe was married to Lothaire, king of [taly
by whom ſhe had a daughter named Emma, who us
afterward married to Lothaire, king of France. The
death of our faint's huſband which happened about tht
year 949, left her a young widow, and the affliction
with which ſhe was viſited, contributed perfectly to di
engage her heart from the world, and make her devote
herſelf to the practice of piety, which had been from he!
infancy the ruling inclination of her heart. —_
rius Ill, margrave of Yvrea, poſſeſſed himſelf 0
(a) After the death of king Ralph III. the emperor Conn ©
annexed all Burgundy to the empire. But ſeveral provincia A =
nors made themſelves maſters in their diſtricts; namely, the ©
f
ty
of Savoy, Burgundy and Provence ; the Dauphin of Viennois, 3
the lord of Breſſe; the firſt confederation of the Switzers an
fons is (aid alſo to have been then formed.
Dec. 16,
Lombar
This pr
of his x
na, wh
nities,
and flec
peror O
Il, was
men to
va and
ed the
ſhould
lis eng;
Queſt ©
him, ar
the em
nus pri}
be died
ed emp
The
and ma
good to
leve a
Great,
tirty-ſ
(ted þ
Was har
(b) O
936 : has
N. Alice,
(c) St
Mapdeby
many hit
dad ſo f
lis life le
erman
Wat hou!
theſe one
at lear
© his lty
long, 5
ed 10 Pu
Dec. 16,
its per-
Ir heroi
w enoy,
| ve us
nk often
ady pol-
d to it!
now are
> borders
ery mo-
1ngulph
move Us
ve deſire
ar them
nd king
ected by
ice, who
nd Dau-
deſcend-
Rudolph
t. Alice,
ears old
of [taly,
who ws
©, Tix
bout the
Afflictions
to dif
x devote
from het
Berengt
elf of al
cial govel-
-pnO1S, an
and On-
ee. 16. 8. ALICE, Empreſs. 253
Lombardy, and ſucceeded in the title of king of Italy.
This prince who had always been the declared enemy
& his predeceſſor's family, caſt Alice into priſon at Pa-
va, where ſhe ſuffered the greateſt hardſhips and indig-
nities. She at length found means to make her eſcape,
ud fled towards Germany; but was met by the em-
xeror Otho I. who at the ſolicitation of pope Agapetus
ll. was marching at the head of an army of 50,000
men to do her juſtice, He made himſelf maſter of Pa-
ia and other places, and married Alice, () but reſtor-
ed the kingdom to Berengarius, upon condition he
ſhould hold it of the empire. Berengarius ſoon forgot
is engagements : whereupon Otho, at the earneſt re-
queſt of pope John XII. ſent his ſon Luitolph againſt
im, and Luitolph, after gaining many victories dying,
lie emperor went in perſon into Italy, made Berenga-
nus priſoner, and baniſhed him into Germany, where
te died at Bamberg. After this victory Otho was crown-
ed emperor at Rome by the pope in 963.
The good empreſs was not puffed up with proſperity,
ad made uſe both of her riches and power only to do
good to all men, eſpecially to protect, comfort and re-
lere all that were in diſtreſs. Otho I. ſurnamed the
breat, died in 973, having reigned as king of Germany
larty-ſix years, as emperor almoſt eleven. Alice edu-
ated ber fon Otho II. with great care, and his reign
vas happy ſo long as he governed by her directions. (c)
(3) Otho I. fon of Henry or the Fowler, ſucceeded his father in
93 : had by Editha, his firſt wife, a ſon named Luitolph: and by
. Alice, his ſecond wife, Otho 11. his ſucceſſor. |
(c) St. Alice long made uſe of Ab ELBZE AT firſt archbiſhop of
deburg, tor her ſpiritual director and counſellor. He is by
wey/ hiſtorians ranked among the ſaints, and Alice and her huſband
A 0 great a thare in his apoſtolic miſſions, that a ſhort account of
a e lerves to illuſtrate their actions. Henry the Fowler, king of
bars having re-eſtabliſhed the abbey of St. Maximin at Triers,
— oule became a nurſery of great prelates and ſaints. Among
— — of the moſt eminent was Adelbert. In his youth dreading
a 2 which only ſwells the heart, he always began and end-
* udies by prayer, and interrupted them by long devout medi-
oy and by continual ſighs to God. At the fame time he labour»
purity his underſtanding, and diſengage his. affections 1
| earthly
R
i
—
— —
2. © *
Ca Fs l "I M ,
Mi - =="
4
as — A — —
A » ids, tht ar oe
Dec. 16.
the marq
can Prin:
ther as tC
gulariti
254 S ALICE, Empreſs. Dec. 16,
But not ſtanding upon his guard againſt flatterers, he
ſuffered his heart to be debauched by evil counſellors,
After the death of his firſt wife who was daughter to
earthly things by ſincere humility, and the mortification of his wil
and ſenſes. Thus he became remarkably diſtinguiſhed among his
brethren for that ſincere piety which edifies, and he appeared excel-
lently fitted to communicate to others that ſpirit with which he wa
repleniſhed, when he was called out of his retirement to preach the
pure maxims of the goſpel to others.
The Rugi or Rani about the year 960, by deputies intreated the
emperor Otho I. to procure them a biſhop who might inſtruct them
in the chriſtian faith. I his fierce nation inhabited part of Pomerania
between the rivers Oder and Wipper, (where the city Rugenwald in
Brandenburg ſtill bears their name) and the iſle of Rugen in the Bal-
tic. Helmoldus in his accurate chronicle cf the Slavi, (I. 1. c. 2)
informs us that they-were a ſavage people, and the only tribe of the
Slavi or Slavonians which had a king ; that they had alſo a high
prieft, whoſe ſway was very great in the neighbouring countries:
they pretended to a familiar intercourſe with the gods or rather with
the devils, in a famous temple in the iſle of Rugen, in which the
people lodged their treaſures, and to which the neighbouring nations
tle were ha
wing maſſa
telcaped |
their mona
Adelbert
uchbiſnop
leuopolit:
| who ſee!
mocured t
5 namely
lavelberg,
pace, the
many.
Cty of ki:
bing Ed
wards t
keond wit
der tim
ſent frequently rich preſents, Neither St. Anſcharius not St. Rem-
bertus had preached to this barbarous nation. But certain monks of
New-Corbie, in the reign of Lewis le Debonnaire, undertook a million
among them, and with the hazard of their lives converted many t0
the chriſtian faith in the various provinces of the Slavi, and the
whole iſland of Rugen, in which they built an oratory in honour of
our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chrift, and in memory of St. Vitus the
patron of New-Corbie. This iſland had been the ſeat of error, and
the metropolis of idolatry in that part of the world; and the favage
inhabitants ſoon after their converſion apoſtatiſed again from the
faith; and added to former ſuperſtitions a new monſtrous extraii”
gance by honouring St. Vitus as the chief of all their gods, erecling
to him a ſtately temple and an idol with ſacrifices, glorying only in
his name, and ſuffering no merchant to come among them, nor a
one to buy or ſell any thing who did not firſt give ſome offering for
the ſacrifices or temple of their god, whom corruptly for St. Mi
they called Swantewitb. Thus whom we confeſs a martyr and let
vant of Chriſt they adore as god, ſays Helmoldus, (I. 1. C. 6.) 8
creature for- the Creator : nor is there any nation under the ſyn that
biſhop
thoſe parts
Nival afſif
- order
ud em
flith —
the ſhade
"ith the r
mb the
during th
uten ill;
Merſebur,
wat tha
mes of th
Pted to
led (air
ut his 1
Papebrok
ſo much abbors Chriſtians, eſpecially Chriſtian prieſts.” Out of by- 3
pocriſy,” as appeared by the event, they petitioned for preachers. Meſerved
Otho I. emperor of Germany, received their meſſengers wth Fl ere hi
and choſe firſt Libutius, a monk of St. Alban's at Mentz for theit ot thinks :
thop z but he dying before he ſet out, Adelbert was Packen vhs hace 4
and ordained biſhop of the Rugi. Otho munificently furniſh = *
with all things neceſſary, and the new biſhop entered the con wo chro
with a ſelect number of fellow preachers. But the bearts of the gf
Dec. 1 6,
rers, he
inſellors,
7hter to
F his will
mong his
red excel-
h he was
reach the
eated the
ruct them
Pomerania
enwald in
| the Bal-
e
be of the
o a high
ountries
ther with
which the
g nations
St, Rem-
monks of
a million
| many to
and the
1onour of
Vitus the
rror, and
e ſavage
from the
extra va
„ erecling
g only in
„ nor any
ering for
F St. Vite,
r and ſet-
. C. 6.) 1
ſun that
at of hy-
xreachers,
with Joh,
- their bi-
ed upon,
iſhed him
> countty
f the peo
pic
Dec. 16. S. ALICE, Empreſs. 255
he marquis of Auſtria, he married Theophania, a Gre-
wn princeſs, and fo far forgot his duty to his good mo-
her as to. baniſh her from court. Her tears for his ir-
xpularities were not ſhed in vain, Misfortunes opened
te were hardened againſt the truth: and ſeveral of the miſſionaries
eng maſſacred by them, the reft with the biſhop with great difficul-
» Jar out of their hands, and deſpairing of ſucceſs returned to
beit monaſteries. This miſſion happened in the year 961.
Adelbert was made abbot of Wurtzburg in 966, and in 970 firſt
whbiſhop of Magdeburg, which ſee was raiſed to the dignity of
Metropolitan of the Slavi, by pope John XIII. at the requeſt of Otho
| who ſeeing many provinces of the Slavi converted to the faith,
mocured the eſtabliſhment of this church with five ſuffragans under
„ namely of Merſeburg, Cicen, Miſna, Poſha or Brandenburg, and
tavelberg, all ſituated in the territory of the Slavi. That great
hace, the conqueror of Bohemia and of all the Northern nations of
berman „built, or rather exceedingly enlarged and ennobled the
ay of Magdeburg, at the defire of his firſt queen Editha, daughter
biting Edmund of England. She was buried in this city, as was af-
twards the emperor himſelf, who died there in the year 973. His
tond wife St, Alice who ſurvived him, paſſed here the greateſt part
i der time during her widowhood, under the direction of the good
atbiſhop. By his prudent care were many churches erected in all
loſe parts, and ſupplied with able paſtors for the inſtruction and ſpi-
ual aſſiſtance of the converted nations. He ſettled in moſt excel-
kat order the chapter of his metropolitical church, which the afore-
ad emperor had munificently founded; and he converted to the
th great numbers of the Slavi whom he found ſtill bewildered in
lie ſhades of infidelity. He enriched the church of Magdeburg,
ait the relicks of St. Maurice, and many other martyrs, was endued
nth the ſpirit of prophecy, and diſcharged all the duties of an apoſtle
ung the twelve years which he governed his church. He was
late ill whilſt he was rforming the viſitation of the dioceſs of
Merſeburg, and having ſaid maſs at Meſſeburch, he found himſelf ſo
at that he laid himſelf down on a rpet, received there the laſt
es of the church, and amidſt the prayers of the clergy happily de-
= to our Lord, on the 2oth day of June, 982. He is uſually
1 cd ſaint by agiographers, who give his life on the 2oth of June:
* dis name is not tound in any known calendars of the church.
'Fdroke and Baillet think he was honoured among the ſaints at
, Keburg before the change of religion, by which all former monu-
* of ſaints there were aboliſhed - infomuch that none had been
"ape: of the veneration of St. Norbert, had it not been for the-
8 8 was taken by his Order. Nevertheleſs, Joſeph Aſſemani
* poſitive proofs ought to be produced, before his name be
ga in the calendars. On his life ſee Lambert of Shafnaburg,
teous geſtis Germanorum, an. Ditmarus, Helmoldus,
Tv Chronicles of Magdeburg quoted by Mabillon, Sæc. 5. Ben. p.
| | 579:
|
v9
"v4
N Ke
1
1 ,
: 4
y 4
"1
4
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1
—
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— * . 8 — _ — * * => I a. by * — 2 * *
= * 44 4 — 8 633
256 8. A L 1 C; E, Empreſs. : Dec, 16 Dec. 1
his eyes; he recalled her, and with the moſt dutiful dM confid;
ference reformed the abuſes of the government by bei virtue.
counſels. The young emperor having been defeated hi moſt e
the Greeks in Calabria, died of a dyſentery at Rome ich
983 after he had reigned nine years. His imperious ui.
dow Theophania who became regent for her ſon OƷ²Ʒrs and ot
III. made it a point of honour to inſult her pious mo- 2ealou!
ther-in-law ; but Alice made no other return for all the infidels
ill: treatment ſhe received at her hands but that of mecł into th
neſs and patience. The young empreſs being ſnatched of that
away by a ſudden death, ſhe was obliged to take upon the roa
her the regency. On this occaſion it appeared how per WW name j
fectly ſhe. was dead to herſelf. Power ſhe looked upon Germa
merely as a burden and moſt difficult ſtewardſhip: b relicks
ſhe applied herſelf to public affairs with indefatigabe lieks a
care. She ſhewed herſelf ſo much a ſtranger to all . phia ©
ſentment as tp load with benefaCtions thoſe courtiers u printed
had formerly given her moſt to ſuffer. Her attention &. Od
to the public concerns never made her neglect the exe: Laibni
ciſes of mortification and devotion. At ſet hours ſhe fe-
tired to her oratory there to ſeek by humble prayer ihe
direction and light of heaven in her counſels, and t0
weep before God for thoſe ſins of the people which i
was not in her power to remedy. In correcting others
ſhe felt in her own breaſt the confuſion and trouble
which her correction muſt give them; hence ſhe forgot
nothing which could ſoften it. Thus by gaining ther
575. and Joſ. Aſſemani, in Calend. De Origin. Sclavorum, I. .
c. 3, p- 264. & ſegu. | 5.
B. Baronius ad an. 959. Pagi, ib. Mabillon, ſæc. 5. 2 in Enc
7 573. and the Bollandiſts by miſtake confound the Rug! ous
ulli, and falſely imagine that St. Adelbert preached to the Nui
and Muſcovites: on whom ſee St. Bruno or Boniface June XIX. *
SS, Romanus and David July XXIV. 1 i
The Rugi continued in their apoſtacy till in 1168, Walde 7 em ch
king of Denmark, with the aſſiſtance of the princes of Powe” od tiful N
and eſpecial the Obotritæ, ſubdued this whole nation, deftef fo
their famous temple, and cauſed their great idol Swantewith 4 :
hewn to pieces and burnt. Abſolon biſhop of Roſch4de, an durch- do have
biſhop of Meckelburg, who accompanied him, erected twelve c i
es in the country of theſe Slavi, which remained a long dine . ha, GN
tary to Denmark. See Helmold, 1. 2. c. 12. and Jo!. Aſſeuun ;
Calend, Univ, T. 1. p. 258.
Dec. 16
Uutiful de
confidence and affection ſhe eaſily conducted them to
nt by bei virtue. Her own houſhold appeared as regular as the
feated hi moſt edifying monaſtery. She filled all the provinces
Rome in which had the happineſs to ſhare in her protection, but
rious vi eſpecially the city of Magdeburg, with religious houſes,
lon Otol end other monuments of charity and piety, and ſhe
ious mo 2ealouſly promoted the converſion of the Rugi and other
2 all they infidels. In the laſt year of her life ſhe took a journey
of meck no the kingdom of Burgundy to reconcile the ſubjects
ſnatchedſi of that realm to king Ralph her nephew, and died on
ake upon the road, at Salces, in Alface, in the year 999. Her
how per- tame is honoured in the calendars of ſeveral churches in
ced upon Germany, though not in the Roman. A portion of her
hip: but Wicks is kept in a coſtly ſhrine in the Treaſury of Re-
fatigabeſg licks at Hanover, and is mentioned in the Lipſanogra-
o all t. phia of the electoral palace of Brunſwick-Lunenburg,
tiers who printed in 1712. See the life of St. Alice written by
attention S. Odilo, with hiſtories of her miracles, publiſhed by
the exer Leibnitz, Collectio Scriptorum Brunſwicenſium, T. 2.
s ſhe fe- p. 262.
ayer the A | | | |
and 10 The Iriſh commemorate on this day St. Bzanus,'a
which it Tibop in Leinſter. Colgan, MSS. |
1g others | 0%
| trouble DECEMBER XL
ie forgot | "oy © 1 779 ow
ng then St: OLYMPIAS, Widow.
um, I. 1. From St. Chryſoſtom's ſeventeen letters to her, Palladius in his life.
Bog. Another Palladius in Lauſiac. c. 43. Sozom. I. 8. c. 2. Leo laip.
2 1 in Encomio 8. Joan, Chryſoſtomi. See Tillemont, T. 14. p. 416,
. 8 About the yu 410. 2 5 f
Valdemat, T. OLymptas, the glory of the widows in the Eaſt-
omeranis, WW © Church, was a lady of "illuſtrious deſcent and & pleh-
deftroped uuf fortune. She was born about the year 368, and
— Bern ft an orphan under the care of Procopius who ſeems
- church* t have been her uncle: but it was her greateſt happi-
me trio dels that ſhe was brought up under the care of Theodo-
mani, in a, ſiſter to St. Amphilochius, a moſt virtuous and pru-
woman, whom St. Gregory Nazianzen called a
Vol. XII. 8
pee. 17. S. OLYMPIAS, w. 237
* 2. * 2 een p l , , _ - - 1 4 = =D — 2 _ = of I CLI < I
S, S-_ W195. 4 * 1 yr ny WES WEL * 3 — 2 - "4 F2 * *
8 * = - . — 2 * " 1 : * £5
. *
238 B. OLT MIA, W. Dec. 1j. Dec. 17
perfect pattern of piety, in whoſe life the tender virgin WM demnec
law as in a glaſs the practice of all virtues, and it was Wi great fe
her ſtudy faithfully to tranſcribe them into the copy of WM Her ter
her own life. From this example which was placed be- ¶ never e
fore her eyes, ſhe raiſed herſelf more eaſily to contem- WM vatchir
plate and to endeavour to imitate Chriſt, who in all Wi others;
virtues is the divine original which every Chriſtian is which |
bound to act after. Olympias beſides her birth and for- tries, a
tune, was, moreover, poſſeſſed of all the qualifications WF linen,
of mind and, body which engage affection and reſpect, Wl crucifie
She was very young when ſhe married Nebridius, tres WW which }
ſuret of the emperor Theodoſius the Great, and for WW actions.
ſome time prefect of Conſtantinople ; but he died wit which f
in twenty days after his marriage. Our faint was ad- &moni
dreſſed by ſeveral of the moſt conſiderable men of the WW and de
court, and Theodoſius was very preſſing with her to ac- WW ber pra
cept for her huſband Elpidius, a Spaniard, and his near WW out boi
relation. She modeſtly declared her reſolution of te-: which
maining ſingle the reſt of her days: the emperor con- bounds
tinued to urge the affair, and after ſeveral deciſive a: ¶ moſt d
ſwers of the holy widow, put her whole fortune in the WW ſiupplie
hands of the prefect of Conſtantinople, with ordets , upon 1
act as her guardian till ſhe was thirty years old. At te vere a
inſtigation of the diſappointed lover, the prefect hinder WW ber an
ed her from ſecing the biſhops or going to church, hop- WW &. Chi
ing thus to tire her into a compliance. She told the em: limes t
peror that ſne was obliged to own his goodneſs in ealing WW vous
her of the heavy burden of managing and diſpoſing o be ena
her own money; and that the favour would be com, prelere
plete if he would order her whole fortune to be divided The
between the poor and the church. Theodoſius ſtruck I permit
with her heroic virtue, made a farther inquiry into be The ce
manner of living, and conceiving an exalted idea © ber me
- her piety reſtored to her the adminiſtration of her — Nts to
in 391. The uſe which ſhe made of it, was to con, moſt
- crate the revenues to the purpoſes which religion a ceeded
virtue preſcribe. By her ſtate of v idow hood, according KS w
to the admonition of the apoſtle, ſhe looked upon bet duaint
. ſelf as exempted even from what the ſupport of Ne! f Ven ha
- ſeemed to require in the world, and ſhe rejoiced that Cnſta
_ Navery of vanity and luxury was by her condition co
Dec. ty,
er virgin
d it was
copy of
laced be-
contem-
ho in all
riſtian is
and for-
ifications
reſpect,
us, tred-
and for
ed with-
was ad-
n of the
er to ac-
his near
N of le-
ror con-
ſive au-
e in the
orders to
At the
t hinder-
Dec. 17. s. OLYTMPFEATL 259
demned even in the eyes of the world itſelf. With
great fervour ſhe ernbraced a life of penance and prayer.
Her tender body ſhe macerated with auſtere faſts, and
never eat fleſh or any thing that had life : by habit long
vatchings became as natural to her as much ſleep is to
others; and ſhe ſeldom allowed herſelf the uſe of a bath,
which is thought a neceſſary refreſhment in hot coun-
mes, and was particularly ſo before the ordinary uſe of
inen. By meekneſs and humility ſhe ſeemed perfectly
crucified to her own will, and to all ſentiments of vanity,
which had no place in her heart, nor ſhare in any of her
ations, The modeſty, ſunplicity and ſincerity. from
vhich ſhe never departed in her conduct, were a clear
demonſtration what was the ſole object of her affections
and deſires. Her dreſs was mean, her furniture poor,
her prayers aſſiduous and fervent, and her charities with-
out bounds, Theſe St, Chryſoſtom compares to a river
which is open to all, and diffuſes its waters to the
bounds of the earth, and into the ocean itſelf. The
moſt diſtant towns, iſles and deſerts received plentiful
ſupplies by her liberality, and ſhe ſettled whole eſtates
upon remote deſtitute churches. Her riches indeed
were almoſt immenſe, and her mortified life. afforded
her an opportunity of conſecrating them all to God. Yet
d. Chryſoſtom — it neceſſary to exhort her ſome-
limes to moderate her alms, or rather to be more cau-
nous and reſerved in beſtowing them, that ſhe might
be enabled to ſuccour thoſe whole diſtreſſes deſerved a
Preference. |
The devil aſſailed her by many trials, which God
mitted for the exerciſe and perfecting of her virtue.
e contradictions of the world ſerved only to increaſe
meekneſs, humility and patience, and with her me-
"ts o multiply her crowns. Frequent ſevere ſickneſſes,
moſt outrageous ſlanders and unjuſt perſecutions ſug-
ed one another. St. Chryſoſtom in one of his let-
ters writes to her as follows. (1) „As you are well ac-
quainted with the advantages and merit of ſufferings,
Au ave reaſon to rejoice, inaſmugh as by having lived
conſtantly in tribulation you have Walked in the road of
| (i) St. Chryſ. ep. 3. |
8 2
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Nec. 17.
hat tim
ws, wh
he was
aty, ane
ummer
ud agai
arther t
he reful
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tefore p
bidiers,
be peop
and tho
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te ſomet
bme dey
piritual
260 . OLYMPIAS; W. D
'crowns and laurels. All manner of corporal diſtempe
have been your portion, often more cruel and harder t
be endured than ten thouſand deaths; nor have yo
ever been free from ſickneſs. You have been perpd
tually over-whelmed with flanders, inſults and injuri
Never have you been free from ſome new tribulation
torrents of tears have always been familiar to yo!
Among all theſe one ſingle aMliftion is enough to fi
your foul with ſpiritual niches.” Her virtue was the ad
miration of the whole church, as appears by the manne
in which almoſt all the faints and great prelates of th
age mention her. St. Amphilochius, St. Epiphaniu
St. Peter of Sebafte and others were fond of her ad
quaintance, and maintained a correſpondence with het
which always tended to promote God's glory. and t
good of fouls. Nectarius, archbiſhop of Conftantind
ple, had the greateſt eſteem for her ſanctity, and crea
ed her deaconeſs to ſerve that church in certain remot
functions of the miniſtry, of which that ſex is capable
as in preparing linen for the altars and the like. A vo
of perpetual chaſtity was always annexed to this ſtats
St. Chryſoſtom who was placed in that ſee in 398 ha
not leſs reſpect for the ſanctity of Olympias than hi
predeceſſor, and as his extraordinary piety, experien
and ſkill in ſacred learning made him an incomparab
guide and model of a ſpiritual life, he was fo much
more honoured by her: but he refuſed to charge bim
ſelf with the diſtribution of her alms as Nectarius hat
one. She was one of the laſt perſons whom St. Chry
m took leave of, when he went into baniſhment ot
the z0th of June in 404. She was then in the gre
church which ſeemed the place of her uſual reſidence
and it was neceſſary to tear her from his feet by e
| lence.” After his departure ſhe had a great ſhare in thi
perſecution in which all his friends were involved. MK
was convened before Optatus, the prefect of the ©!)
' who was an heathen. She juſtified herſelf as to the ©
ies which were ſhameleſsly alleged in court ag
er; but ſhe aſſure the governor that nothing fou
engage her to hold communion with Arſacius, 4 l
matical uſurper of agother's ſee, She was diſmiſſed '0
*
Dec.
iſtempe
harder t
have yo
-n perpd
1 injuri
bulation
3 yol
gh to fi
as the ad
e Mmanng
$ of th
diphaniu
f her ad
with het
and t
1ſtanting
nd creat
n remot
hee. 17.
hat time, and was viſited with a grievous fit of ſick-
ws, which afflicted her the whole winter.
he was obliged by Arſacius and the court to leave the
ity, and wandered from place to place.
mmer in 405 ſhe was brought back to Conſtantinople,
nd again preſented before Optatus, who without any
ther trial, ſentenced her to pay a heavy fine, becauſe
he refuſed to communicate with Arfacius.
ere ſold by a public auction; ſhe was often dragged
fore public tribunals; her clothes were torn by the
bdiers, her farms rifled by many amongſt the dregs of
he people, and ſhe was inſulted by her own ſervants,
and thoſe who had received from her hands the greateſt
$ O44. TT MPMPLASOW 261
In ſpring
About mid-
Her goods
ours. Atticus, ſucceſſor of Arſacius, diſperſed and
uniſned the whole community of nuns which ſhe go-
emed; for it ſeems by what Palladius writes, that ſhe
x abbeſs or at leaſt directreſs of the monaſtery which
he had founded near the great church, which ſubſiſted
lll the fall of the Grecian empire. St. Chryſoſtom fre-
quently encouraged and comforted her by letters; but
& ſometimes blamed her grief. This indeed ſeemed in
bme degree excuſabie, as ſhe regretted the loſs of the
pititual conſolation and inſtruction ſhe had formerly re-
ved from him, and deplored the dreadful evils which
lis unjuſt baniſhment brought upon the church. Nei-
her did ſhe ſink into deſpondency, fail in the perfect
Rlgnation of her will, or loſe her confidence in God
inder her affliction, remembering that God is ready to
upply every help to thoſe who ſincerely ſeek him, and
tat he abandoned not St. Paul's tender converts when
ie ſuffered their maſter to be taken from them. St. Chry-
bſtom bid her particularly to rejoice under her ſickneſles,
Mich ſhe ought to place among her moſt precious
owns, in imitation of Job and Lazarus. In his dif-
els ſhe furniſhed him with plentiful ſupplies, where-
"th he ranſomed many captives, and relieved the poor
n the wild and deſert countries into which he was ba-
ſhed. She alſo ſent him drugs for his own uſe when
| laboured under a bad ſtate of health. Her lingerin
mar yrdom was prolonged beyond that of St. Chryſot-
"Mm; for ſhe was living ia 308 when Palladi- 2
"260 S. OLYMPIAS, W.
'crowns and laurels. All manner of corporal diſtempe
have been your portion, often more cruel and harder tq
be endured than ten thouſand deaths; nor have you
ever been free from ſickneſs. You have been pe
tually over-whelmed with ſlanders, inſults and injunes,
Never have you been free from ſome new tribulation:
torrents of tears have always been familiar to you,
Among all theſe one ſingle aMiction is enough to fil
your foul with ſpiritual riches.” Her virtue was the ad.
miration of the whole church, as appears by the manner
in which almoſt all the ſaints and great prelates of that
age mention her. St. Amphilochius, St. Epiphanius
St. Peter of Sebaſte and others were fond of her ac-
quaintance, and maintained a correſpondence with her,
which always tended to promote God's glory and the
good of fouls. Nectarius, archbiſhop of Conſtantino-
ple, had the greateſt eſteem for her ſanctity, and creat-
ed her deaconeſs to ſerve that church in certain remote
functions of the miniſtry, of which that ſex is capable
as in preparing linen for the altars and the like. A von
of perpetual chaſtity was always annexed to this ſtate
St. Chryſoſtom who was placed in that ſee in 398 hat
not leſs reſpect for the ſanctity of Olympias than his
predeceſſor, and as his extraordinary piety, experience
and ſkill in ſacred learning made him an incomparable
guide and model of a ſpiritual life, he was fo much the
more honoured by her: but he refuſed to charge bim.
ſelf with the diſtribution of her alms as Nectarius had
one. She was one of the laſt perſons whom St. Cry
m took leave of, when he went into baniſhment on
the 20th of June in 404. She was then in the gien
church which ſeemed the place of her uſual reſidence;
and it was neceſſary to tear her from his feet by d
tence. After his departure ſhe had a great ſhare in the
perſecution in which all his friends were involved.
was convened before Optatus, the prefe& of the c,
' who was an heathen. She juſtified herſelf as to the ©
faves which were ſhameleſsly alleged in court aga
her; but ſhe 'aſſureq the ' governor that nothing ou
engage her to hold communion with Atſacius, 4
matical uſurper of agother's ſee, She was diſmiſſed 10!
A
0 Dec. 17
dee. 17
that tim
neſs, w.
ſhe was
city, an
ſummer
and aga
farther |
he refu
were {0
before
vldiers,
the peo
and thc
favours,
baniſhe.
rerned ;
was abt
Dec. 17. S. OLYMPIAS, W. 261
Dec.]
ſtem | that time, and was viſited with a grievous fit of ſick-
was re, which afflicted her the whole winter. In ſpring
have von ſhe was obliged by Arſacius and the court to leave the
} city, and wandered from place to place. About mid-
n,peipe
injuries
bulation:
ſummer in 405 ſhe was brought back to Conſtantinople,
ind again preſented before Optatus, who without any
farther trial, ſentenced her to pay a heavy fine, becauſe
'P l ſhe refuſed to communicate with Arſacius. Her goods
1s the ad. ere fold by a public auction; ſhe was often dragged
e mance beſore public tribunals; her clothes were torn by the
s of th 0diers, her farms rifled by many amongſt the dregs of
iphanius the people, and ſhe was inſulted by her own ſervants,
her a. und thoſe who had received from her hands the greateſt
Reds th ours. Atticus, ſucceſſor of Arſacius, diſperſed and
and tel baniſhed the whole community of nuns which ſhe go-
Rantino i verned; for it ſeems by what Palladius writes, that ſhe
\d cent: abbeſs or at leaſt directreſs of the monaſtery which
ſhe had founded near the great church, which ſubſiſted
| opal till the fall of the Grecian empire. St. Chryſoſtom fre-
Avon ently encouraged and comforted her by letters; but
bis fare, be ſometimes blamed her grief. This indeed ſeemed in
298 hat bme degree excuſable, as ſhe regretted the loſs of the
an bs Piritual conſolation and inſtruction ſhe had formerly re-
ceived from him, and deplored the dreadful evils which
perience .
4 — lis unjuſt baniſhment brought upon the church. Nei-
mch te der did ſhe ſink into deſpondency, fail in the perfect
de bim rügnation of her will, or loſe her confidence in God
zus bad inder her affliction, remembering that God is ready to
t. Chry- lupply every help to thoſe who ſincerely ſeek him, and
nent en dat he abandoned not St. Paul's tender converts when
e great ſuffered their maſter to be taken from them. St. Chry-
1dence ; oſtom bid her particularly to rejoice under her ſickneſſes,
by vo which ſhe ought to place among her moſt precious
e in the I uns, in imitation of Job and Lazarus. In his diſ-
3 She els ſhe furniſhed him with plentiful ſupplies, where-
e city, h he ranſomed many captives, and relieved the poor
the cr iu the wild and deſert countries into which he was ba-
againſt hed, She alſo ſent him drugs for his own uſe when
ſhould *laboured under a bad ſtate of health. Her lingerin
a ſchiF martyrdom was prolonged beyond that of St. Chryſol-
{ſed fol em, for ſhe was living in 403 when Pallad -
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262 s. OLYMPIAS, w. de.
his Dialogue on the life of St. Chryſoſtom. The other
Palladius in the Lauſiac hiſtory which he compiled in
420, tells us that ſne died under her ſufferings, and, de-
ſerving to receive the recompence due to holy confeſlors,
enjoyed the glory of heaven among the ſaints. The
Greeks honour her memory on the 25th of July; but
the Roman martyrology on the 17th of December.
The ſaints all ſtudied to huſband every moment to
the beſt advantage, knowing that life is very ſhort, that
night is coming on a- pace in which no one will be able
to work, and that all our moments here are ſo many
precious ſeeds of eternity. If we applied ourſelves with
the ſaints to the uninterrupted exerciſe of good works,
we ſhould find that ſhort as life is, it affords ſufficient
time for extirpating our evil inclinations, learning to put
on the ſpirit of Chriſt, working our ſouls into a heaven-
ly temper, adorning them with all. virtues, and laying
in a proviſion for eternity. But through our unthinking
indolence, the precious time of life is reduced almoſt to
nothing, becauſe the greateſt part of it is abſolutely
thrown away. So numerous is the tribe of idlers, and
the claſs of occupations which deſerve no other denomi-
nation than that of idleneſs, that a bare liſt would fill a
volume. The complaint of Seneca, how much ſoeverit
degrades men beneath the dignity of reaſon, and much
more of religion, agrees no leſs to the greateſt part of
Chriſtians, than to the idolaters, that Almoſt their
whole lives are ſpent in doing nothing, and the whole in
doing nothing to the purpoſe. (2) Let no moments be
ſpent merely to paſs time: diverſions and corporal exet-
ciſe ought to be uſed with moderation, only as much 2
may ſeem requiſite for bodily health and the vigour of
the mind. Every one is bound to apply himſelf to ſome
ſerious employment. This and his neceſſary recreations
muſt be referred to God, and ſanctified by a holy inten-
tion, and other circumſtances which virtue preſcnbs:
and in all our actions humility, patience, various acts of
ſecret prayer and other virtues ought, according to the
occaſions, to be exerciſed, Thus will our lives be !
continued ſeries of gbod works, and an uninterrupt®
** (2) Seneca, ep.
dec. 17.
holocau
this ſaci
of our «
St. 1
daughte
trude o
noul, u
terward
hunting
tetirem
built ſe
Dec, 17.
The other
npiled in
and, de-
onfeſlors,
ts. The
uly ; but
der.
ment to
ort, that
| be able
o many
ves with
1 works,
ſufficient
g to put
heaven -
1 laying
thinking
Imoſt to
wolutely
ers, and
denomi-
ld fill a
ſoever it
d much
part of
ſt their
thole in
zents be
al exer-
nuch as
our of
o ſome
-eations
inten-
ſcribes:
acts of
to the
s be 4
rupted
dec. 17. = B E G G A, W. *. 267
holocauſt of divine praiſe and love. That any parts of
this ſacrifice ſhould be defective, ought to be the ſubject
of our daily compunction and tears. |
On tTnE SAME Day.
St. Becca, Widow and Abbeſs. This ſaint was
daughter of Pepin of Landen, eldeſt fiſter to St. Ger-
nude of Nivelle, and married Anſegiſe, ſon to St. Ar-
noul, who was ſome time mayor of the palace, and af-
terward biſhop of Metz. Her huſband being killed in
hanting, ſhe dedicated herſelf to a penitential ſtate of
retirement, and after performing a pilgrimage to Rome,
built ſeven chapels at Anden on the Meuſe, in imitation
of the ſeven principal churches at Rome. There ſhe alſo
founded a great nunnery in imitation of that which her
liter governed at Nivelle, (a) from which ſhe was fur-
niſned with a little colony who laid the foundation of
this monaſtery, and lived under her direction. Many
boly virgins were trained up by them in the perfect
practice of piety. The rich monaſtery of Anden was
afterward converted into a collegiate church, of thirty -
two canoneſſes of noble families, with ten canons to of-
feiate at the altar. It is ſituate in the foreſt of Ar-
denne, in the dioceſs of Namur. St. Begga departed to
dur Lord in the year 698, and is named in the Roman
martyrology. See Miræus, in Faſtis Belgicis, and G.
Ryckel vita 8. Beggæ Beguinarum & Beguardorum
Fundatricis, Lovanii, 163 1. in 4to. are
(a) Many aſcribe to St. Begga the inftitution of the Beguines,
ery numerous at Mechlin, Gant and other places in Brabant, the
«ſh Flanders and ſome neighbouring provinces of the Low Coun-
ries, They devote themſelves to the divine ſervice under ſimple
Yows of chaſtity, and certain pious rules which only oblige fo long as
bey remain in that tate, - But Ægidius Aurez Vallis, and other hif-
diam inform us, that the Beguines were inſtituted by Lambert le
Due or Balbus, a pious prieſt of Liege in 1170, and derive from
m their name. See AEgidius Aureæ Hall, in Geſtis Epiſcoporum
ienf, Cheapville, T. 2. p. 126. Mirzus in Chron, Ciſterc. p.
90 danderus & Foppens in Bibl. Belg. T. 2. p. 796. Alſo Dis-
ao hiſtorica de origine Beghinarum, Autore P. Coens. Leodii,
129. And Lettre ſur ! Origine & progres des Beguines.
2
9 AA»
38 2 A 4 YE SH - ;
* 83 4 * wa » * * ” . . £L&% - = * :
DECEMBE R XVII
SS. RUFUS and ZOZIMUS, MM.
From St. Polyearp's Epiſtle, n. g. p 9%,
| A. PD. 116.
From the eminent ſpirit of ſanctity which the a&-
ons and writings of the great St. Ignatius breathe, ve
are to form a judgment of that with which theſe hoh
martyrs were animated. They had the happineſs to
ſhare in his chains and ſufferings for Chriſt, and like.
wiſe glorified God by martyrdom under Trajan about
the year 116. St. Polycarp ſays of them, They have
not run in vain, but in faith and righteouſneſs; and
they are gone to the place that was due to them from
the Lord, with whom they alſo ſuffered. For they lov
ed not the preſent world, but Him who died, and was
raiſed again by God for us.” Whether Antioch or Phi-
lippi where they ſeem to have preached, ot what other
city of the Eaſt was the theatre of their triumph is un;
certain. St. Polycarp writing to the Philippians fays:
« Wherefore I exhort all of you that ye obey the word
of righteouſneſs, and exerciſe all patience, which ye hare
ſeen ſer ſorth before your eyes, not only in the bleſſed
Ignatius and Zozimus and Rufus, but in others that
have been among you; and in Paul himſelf, and the
reſt of the apoſtles.”
The primitive martyrs rejoiced exceedingly in bei
called to ſuffer for Chriſt. If faith was as lively
active in us, and if the divine love exerted its powel
in our hearts, we ſhould rejoice at all occaſions of pic ·
tiling meekneſs and patience, which we ſhould look up-
on as our greateſt happineſs and gain, To forgive 1
injury, to bear well an affront, or to ſuffer with perfett
reſignation, patience and humility, is a glorious viau!y
gamed over ourſelves, by which we vanquiſh our paſſions
and improve in our ſouls the habits of thoſe divine -
tues in which conſiſts the ſpirit of Chriſt, and the te
Dec. 1
ſembl:
nous
deen
quiſh
Why
watch
Why
al iu
io the
uly
St.
came
middle
princi
pal Ice
ed to
or ſuff
apoſtle
He a
there
ed of:
ther ir
heathe
always
their |
tied 20
the fe
nouree
c. 30,
Una,
Dec. 18. s, GAT TLA N, B. C. 265
ſemblance we are commanded to bear to him, Occaſi-
ons occur in almoſt all our actions: yet we loſe them,
and even ſuffer our paſſions to reign in them to the of-
fence of God, the ſcandal of our. holy religion, and
the infinite prejudice of our fouls. Do we conſider that
the leaſt exertion of meekneſs, humility or charity is
ſomething much greater and more advantageous than
the conqueſt of empires and the whole world could be?
For Alexander to have once curbed his anger on ever
{ [mall an occaſion, would have been a far more glo-
ricus victory than all his conqueſts, even if his wars had
deen juſt, For nothing is ſo heroic as for a man to van-
quilh his paſſions, and learn to govern his own ſoul.
Why then do not we take all neceſſary precautions to
watch and to arm ourſelves for theſe continual occaſions?
Why are not we prepared and upon our guard to check
a! iudden ſallies of our paſlions, and under provocations
o he by ſilence, meekneſs and N that we ſtudy
uuly to prove ourſelves diſciples of Chriſt?
On THE Same Day.
St. GariAx, firſt Biſhop of Tours, C. St. Gatian
came from Rome with St. Dionyſius of Paris, about the
middle of the third century, and preached the faith
principally at Tours in Gaul, where he fixed his epiſco-
pal ice. The Gauls in that part were extremely addict-
ed to the worſhip of their idols. But no contradictions
or ſufferings were able to diſcourage or daunt this true
apoſtle; and by perſeverance he gained ſeveral to Chriſt.
te aſſembled his little flock in grots and caves, and
there celebrated the divine myſteries. For he was oblig-
ed often to lie hid in lurking holes a long time toge-
tber in order to eſcape a cruel death, with which the
teathens frequently threatened him, and which he was
aways ready to receive with joy if he had fallen into
their hands. Having continued his labours with unwea-
ted zeal amidſt frequent ſufſerings and dangers for near
the ſpace of fifty years, he died in peace, and was ho-
noured with miracles. See St. Gregory of Tours, J. t.
„ 30. The Roman maziyrology and Gallia Chrif-
UIna, | |
266 ¼ s. WINEBALD, AC. Mey
St. WiNEBALD, Abbot, C. St. Richard, the Ege.
Iiſh Saxon king, ſeems to have been a prince of Wel.
ſex; for he was related to St. Boniface, and ſet out on
his pilgrimage from Hamble-Haven in that country, |:
is thought that he was one of thoſe princes who ruled
in part of that kingdom, till they were compelled to
give way to king Ceadwall. (i) God bleſſed him with
three children, St. Winebald, the eldeſt, St. Willibald,
who died biſhop of Eyſtadt, and St. Walburga. St. Ri-
chard leaving his native country took with him his two
ſons, and embarking at Hamble-Haven landed on the
coaſt of Normandy, and viſiting all the places of dero-
tion on his way travelled into Italy, intending to goto
Rome. But at Lucca fell ſick and died about the year
722. His body was buried in the church of St. Fnigi-
dian, (a) and on account of certain famous miracles
wrought at his tomb was taken up by Gregory, biſhop
of Lucca, by the pope's authority, and is kept in a rich
ſhrine in that church. His name occurs in the Roman
martyrology on the 7th of February. SS. Winebald
and Willibald accompliſhed their pilgrimage to Rome.
After fome ſtay there to perform their devotions St. Wil-
libald undertook another pilgrimage to the holy places
in Paleftine : but Winebald, who is by ſome called Wu-
nibald, who was from his childhood of a weak fickly
conſtitution, remained at Rome, where he purſued his
ſtudies ſeven years, took the tonſure, and devoted him-
felf with his whole heart to the divine ſervice. Then
returning to England he engaged- a third brother and
ſeveral among his kindred and acquaintance to accom-
pany him in his journey back to Rome, and there dedi-
cate themfelves to God in a religious ſtate. St. Boni-
face, who was our faint's couſin, coming to that city in
738, ' prevailed with him upon motives of charity to
(1) Bede, l. 4. c. 12.
(a) St. Frigidian or Fridian, an Iriſhman, who is honoured on
the 18th of March, and his tranſlation on the 18th of November,
was biſhop of Lucca in the ſixth century, famous for ſanctity and
miracles, and was buried in this church which. be had founded in
honour of St. Vincent : but it fince bears his name, and now belongs
to 2 famous monaſtery of Olivetan monks, |
Dec. 1
under
the in
many.
and b
miracles
Dec. 18. S. WINEBALD, A. C. 267
undertake a ſhare of his labours in the converſion of
the infidels and in founding the infant church of Ger-
many. Winebald accompanied him into Thuringia,
and being ordained prieſt by that holy archbiſhop, took
upon him by his commiſſion, the care of ſeven churches
in that country, eſpecially at Erfurt, as the nun informs
as in the life of our ſaint. Theſe churches the chronicle
of Andeſches and Bruſchius call ſeven monaſteries: but
without authority or probability, as Serarius obſerves.
d.. Willibald was made biſhop of Aychſtadt in Franco-
nia, in 981, and being deſirous to erect a double mo-
mftery which might be a pattern and ſeminary of piety
and learning to the numerous churches which he had
planted, prevailed with his brother Winebald, and his
iter Walburga whom he invited out of England, to
undertake that charge. |
Winebald therefore tranſlated his monaſtery from
Shwankeld to Heidenheim, where having purchaſed a
vid ſpot of ground, covered with ſhrubs and buſhes,
he cleared it, and built firſt little cells or mean cot-
tages for himſelf and his monks, and ſhortly after erect-
el a monaſtery. A nunnery was founded by him in
the neighbourhood, which St. Walburga governed. The
dolaters often attempted the life of St. Winebald by
poiſon and by open violence: but by the divine protec-
ton he eſcaped their ſnares, and continued by his zeal-
ous labours to dilate on every fide the pale of Chrift's
told. He was ſolicitous in the firſt place to maintain in
his religious community the perfect ſpirit of their holy
ſtate, teaching them above all things to perſevere inſtant
in prayer, (2) and to keep inviolably in mind the humi-
ty of our Lord, and his meekneſs and holy converſa-
tion, as the ſtandard from which they were never to
turn their eyes. They who find a reluctance ariſing
ſtom the corruption of their paſſions, muſt nevertheleis
force themſelves cheerfully to all that which is good,
eipecially to divine love, fraternal compaſſion, patience
when they are deſpiſed, meekneſs and aſſiduous prayer:
for God beholding their conflicts and the earneſtneſs of
lbeir deſires and endeavours, will in the end grant thein
(2) Rom. Xii. 12.
as -8. WINEBALD, AC. Bad
the true grace of prayer, meekneſs and the bowels
mercy, and will fill them with the fruits of the ſpirit
in which ſtate the Lord ſeems to perform all things i
them; ſo ſweet do humility, love, meekneſs and praye
become. Thus our holy abbot encouraged his ſpiritus
children, and ſtrengthened in them the ſpirit of Chi,
but he inculcated to them both by word and example,
that Chriſt never plants his ſpirit nor eſtabliſhes the king,
dom of his grace in fouls which are not prepared
ſelf-denial, mortification, obedience, ſimplicity, ＋
of prayer, and profound humility: for ſelf- elevation is
the greateſt abaſement, and ſelf-· abaſement is the higheſ
exaltation, honour and dignity. For only he can cleave
to the Lord who has freed his heart from earthly luſts
and diſengaged his affections from the covetouſneſs of
the world. St. Winebald was afflicted many years with
ſickneſs, and had a private chapel erected in his own
cell in which he ſaid maſs when he was not able to go 1
church. Once being looked upon as brought by his
diſtemper to extremity, and almoſt to the point of death,
he made a viſit of devotion to the ſhrine of St. Boni.
face, once his ſpiritual father and much honoured friend
in Chriſt: and in three weeks time was reſtored to his
health. Some time after, he relapſed into his former
ill ſtate of health, and in his laſt moments earneſtly ex-
horted his diſciples to advance with their whole might
towards God without ſtopping or looking behind them:
for no one can be found worthy to enter the holy city,
who ſtrives not by doing his utmoſt that his name be
written in heaven with the firſt- born. For this in ti
earneſtneſs of our defires we ought to pour out teals
day and night. Our faint had made them as it were the
very food of the ſoul, and having been tried and puts
fied by a lingering ſickneſs as the pure gold in the fur
nace, went. to God on the 18th of December, 900
After his death St. Willibald committed the ſuperin-
tendency over the monaſtery of monks to the holy ab-
beſs St. Walburga fo long as ſhe lived. The monaſter)
of Heidenheim was finally diſſolved upon the chang?
of religion in the province of Brandenburg Anſpach, 1!
which it was ſituated, The nun who wrote the life d
Dec. 10
st. Wi
were |
the life
ry deal
ncles |
teſtifies
in ſeve
jnſertec
Baſnag
burga,
nun of
St. Wi
T4 1
Caniſiu
From 8
[ N tl
was a
belt.
that ch
Chriſti;
fect of
Was Orc
prievou
ed to b.
bers, al
and ha
AUvine |
Dec. i&
owels e
e ſpinit
hings In
d prayer
ſpiritua
| Chriſt,
:xample,
he king.
ared
„ Aa lle
ation is
e higheſt
in Cleave
Hy luſts
ſneſs of
Ars With
his own
to go th
by by
ff death,
dt. Boni-
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d to his
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eſtly ex-
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d them:
oly city,
ame be
in the
ut teal
were the
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the fur
r, 700
ſuperin-
holy ab-
onaſtery
change
pach, 1!
lie of
Dec. 19. s
st. Winebald aſſures us, that ſeveral miraculous cures
S. NEMESION, M. &c.
269
were performed at his tomb. St. Ludger alſo writes in
the life of St. _— of Utrecht, Winebald was ve-
dear to my maſter Gregory, and ſhews by great mi-
ncles ſince his death what he did whilſt living.” Rader
eftifies, that St. Winebald is honoured among the ſaints
in ſevera] churches in Germany, though his name is not
inſerted in the Roman martyrology, as Mabillon and
Baſnage remark. See his life wrote, not by St. Wal-
burga, as ſome have ſaid, but by another cotemporary
nun of her monaſtery, who had before wrote the life of
St. Willibald. In that of St. Winebald we have an ac-
count of the manner of canonizing faints in that ape,
and of the twofold labour to which monks then applied
themſelves, in tilling land and making that which was
wild, arable; and in inſtructing and preaching. This
work was publiſhed entire by Caniſius in his Lectiones
Antique, T. 4. more correctly by Mabillon, Act. Ben.
T. 4. and moſt accurately by Baſnage in his edition of
Caniſius in 1925. T. 2. part 2. |
D E c E MB E R XIX.
St. NE ME S IO N, M. &c.
From St. Dionyſius of Alex. quoted by Euſebius, Hiſt. I. 6. c. 41.
p. 307, ed. Cantabr. | 1
A. D. 250.
ly the perſecution of Decius, Nemeſion an Egyptian
vas apprehended at Alexandria upon an indictment for
theft, The ſervant of Chriſt eaſily cleared himſelf of
that charge, but was immediately accuſed of being a
Chriſtian, Hereupon he was ſent to the Auguſtal pre-
fect of Egypt, and confeſſing his faith at his tribunal he
vas ordered to be ſcourged and tormented doubly more
gnevouſly than the thieves : after which he was condemn-
c io be burnt with the moſt criminal amongſt the rob-
bers, and other malefactors; whereby he had the honour
and happineſs more perfectly to imitate the death of our
Wine Redeemer. There flood at the ſame time near
2y0 s. NEMESION, M. && Pee. 10
the prefect's tribunal four ſoldiers, named Ammon, Ze.
no, Ptolemy, and Ingenuus, and another perſon, whoſe
name was Theophilus, who being Chriſtians, boldly en-
couraged a confeſſor who was hanging on the rack. T
were ſoon taken notice of, and preſented to the judge,
who condemned them to be beheaded : but was himlelf
aſtoniſhed to ſee the joy with which they walked to the |
place of execution. Heron, Ater and Iſidore, both
Egyptians, with Dioſcorus, a youth only fifteen years}
old, were committed at Alexandria in the ſame perſe-
cution. Firſt of all, the judge took the youth in hand,
and began to intreat -him with fair ſpeeches; then he
aſſailed him with various torments: but the generous
youth neither would bow at his flatteries, nor could be
terrified or broken by his threats or torments. The reſt,
after enduring the moſt cruel rending and disjointing of
their limbs, were burnt alive. But the judge diſcharged
Dioſcorus, on account of the tenderneſs of his years,
faying, he allowed him time to repent, and conſult his
own advantage, and expreſſing that he was ſtruck with
admiration at the dazzling beauty of his countenance.
In the Roman martyrology St. Nemeſion is commemo-
rated on the 19th of December, the reſt of theſe mar-
tyrs on other days. 1 Ja nn
SS. Meuris and Thea, two holy women at*Gaza in
Paleſtine, when the perſecution raged in that city under
the ſucceſſors of Diocleſian, bore up bravely againſt all
the cruelty of men, and malice of the devil, and tn
umphed over both to the laſt moment. Meuris died
under the hands of the perſecutors: but Thea languiſhed
ſome time after ſhe had paſſed through a dreadful vanety
of exquiſite torments, as we learn from the author
the life of St. Porphyrius of Gaza, written about the
cloſe of the fourth century. Their relicks were depoſit
ed in a church which bore the name of St. Timothy; on
whom ſee Auguſt 19. 9 8 | ; |
Can we call to mind the fervour of the ſaints in lar
bouring and ſuffering cheerfully for God, and not fee!
an holy ardour glow in our own breaſts, and our ſouls
ſtrongly affected with their heroic ſentiments of virtue!
This St. Macarius of Egypt uſed to illuſtrate by the fol-
| years,
ſult his
pee. 20. S. PHILOGONIUS, B. C. 271
owing familiar apothegm: As he that goes into a
hop, where are ointments and perfumes, and takes a
few turns in it, though he neither buys nor taſtes of any
thing, yet he enjoys the ſcent, and is perfumed there-
by: even ſo he that converſes with the holy fathers,
(or reads their actions) derives a ſalutary influence from
them, They ſhew him true humility ; and both their
diſcourſes and example are of ſervice, and as a wall and
fence againſt the incurſions of demons.” (1)
On Tre SAME Day.
5. SAMTHANA, V. Abbeſs, She founded the mo-
maſtery of Cluainbronach, on the borders of Meath in
Ireland, and departed to our Lord in 738. See Col-
gall, |
D* E. C K M Bi BB I +157
St. PHILOGONIUS, B. of Antioch, C.
From the Panegyric ſpoke by St. Chryſoſtom on his feſtival, T. 1.
p. 492. ed. Montfauc. ;
A. D. 322.
or. PaiLoGoNIUs- was brought up to the law, and
made a conſiderable figure at the bar, being admired
for his eloquence, and ſtill more for the purity of his
manners, and the ſanctity of his life. This was a ſuffi-
cent motive for diſpenſing with the canons, which re-
quire ſome time ſpent among the clergy before a perſon
be advanced to the higheſt ſtation in the church. Phi-
onius was placed in the ſee of Antioch, upon the death
& Vitalis in 318, and St. Chryſoſtom mentions the flou-
nſhing ſtate of that church in his time, as an authentic
proof of his zeal and excellent adminiſtration. When
Arius broached his blaſphemies at Alexandria in 318,
St. Alexander condemned him, and ſent the ſentence
n a ſynodal letter to St. Philogonius, who ſtrenuouſly
defended the catholic faith before the aſſembly of the
(1) S. Macarius inter Apothegmata ap. Pritium. p. 233.
2 s. PA Ul, Hernik. Dey
council of Nice. In the ſtorms which were raiſed again
. » . . the ſa
the church firſt by Maximin Il. and afterward by Liciniug
— — — the title of Conte ſſor; he 0 x BY
in the year 322; the fifth of his epiſcopal dignity.” Hi —
feſtival was celebrated at Antioch on the 2oth of D- Fhow
cember, in the year 386, in which St. Chryſoſtom pn —
nounced his panegyric, touching lightly on his virtt x 15
becaule, as he ſays, he left the detail of them to hi hings
biſhop Flavian, who was to ſpeak after him. „ 1. Tf
St. Chryſoſtom extols in the moſt amiable terms *
overflowing peace which this ſaint now enjoys in a ſtate we
of bliſs, where there are no conflicts, no irregular — Haga
no more of that cold word, Mine and | tine, which =
-fills the whole world with wars, every family with broil rg
and every breaſt with reſtleſs diſquiets, gnawing pain =
and prickling thorns. St. Philogonius had lo pertedly .
renounced the world, and crucified Its ordinate deft bepes
in his heart, that he received in this life the earneſt o wa
Chriſt's ſpirit, was admitted to the ſacred _ ; jor
the heavenly King, and had free acceſs to the Almighty 2
A ſoul muſt here learn the heavenly ſpirit, and be we or
verſed in the occupations of the bleſſed, if ſhe _—_ tc hey
reign with them hereafter : ſhe muſt beforehan a 0 —
ſome acquaintance with the myſteries of grace, an . 71.1
functions of divine love and praiſe. Perſons — " *
called to the palace of an earthly king without h oem
been faſhioned, and for a long time exerciſed _ =.
manners of the court, that they may not _— — kay
- utter ſtrangers to the proceedings of the place, you wk
Macarius. (1) fom hs
| On Tus SAME Dar. WY n mine
I 6 it. "The futhef i nifton
St. Paul of Latrus, or Latra, Hermit. was his
of this ſaint, who was an officer in the imperkl _ 3 10
being ſlain on board the Grecian fleet, in an ende Wi tin to
ment with the Mahomerans, his mother Eudocia oy” WW but this
trom Pergamus in Aſia, which was the place of ** *
tieity, into Bithy nia, taking her two ſons _ 2
| Rafit, who was the eldeſt, rejecting the propoſal —
advantageous match, took the monaſtic habit After of
(1) S. Macarius, Homi. 17. p. 268. Vol.
Dee. Dec. 20. S. PA U L, Hermit. 273
again mount Olympus in that country; but ſoon after, for
ien the fake of greater ſolitude, retired to the Laura, found-
a by St. Elias, and afterward to Brachiana, near moumt
Latrus. When their mother was dead, he engaged his
younger brother to embrace the ſame ſtate of life.
Though young, he had experienced the world ſufficient
ly to underſtand the emptineſs and dangers of its enjoy
ments. He ſaw that even if it beſtows on a man all
things it can give, he is only like a rich man who is poſ-
ſelſed of ſtately houſes, abundance of gold and ſilver,
and enjoys all manner of attendance; yet is afflicted
vith inward pains and diſtempers, under which neither
we whole tribe of his relations, nor his riches, nor
ſtrength, nor diverſions. can eaſe” his pains: nothing at
kaſt of all this can cleanſe him from ſin. But the
more this viſible world, and the falſe teſt which it affords;
em to cheriſh the body, ſo much the more do they
harpen the diſorders of the ſoul,” and increaſe her ill-
neſs, This the pious youth ſeriouſſy confidered, and
xſolved to 3 himſelf from the cares of this life,
ud devote himſelf to the Lord, crying to him night
nd day. Baſil recommended our ſaint to the care and
inſtruction of the abbot” of Carya on the top of mount
Latrus, and returning himſelf to mount Olympus, he
ded abbot of the Laura of St. Elias. H
Paul was indefatigable in the exerciſe of holy prayer,
add having no other deſire than to gain heaven; labour-
dd ſeriouſſy to ſubdue his body: by mortification. He
tever lay down to ſleep, but only leaned his head againſt
a ſtone or tree. No unprofitable: word was ever heard
tom his mouth: and the fight of the fire which put him
u mind of hell, drew tears from his eyes without inter-
miſion whenever he was employed in the kitchen. It
ws his deſire, for the ſake of greater ſolitude and auſte-
noa , to lead an eremitical life; but his abbot thinking
14 retif6 im too young, refuſed him leave ſo long as he lived:
"© his br. but this he obtained after his death. His firſt cell was a
ich hee on the higheſt part of mount Latrus, where for
al of ne weeks be had no other: ſubſiſtence than green
dit upon ens, which cauſed hirn at firſt to vomit even to Vaod.
= "gat months he was 0 to
ol. XII.
274 S. PA UL, Hermit. Der. 26,
Carya, but ſoon after allowed to purſue his vocation,
and choſe a new habitation of the higheſt and moſt crap)
y part of the mountain. The firſt three years he
— moſt grievous temptations: but overcame them
ſteadineſs in his exerciſes, and eſpecially by affiduous
ayer. A countryman ſometimes brought him à little
coarſe food: but he moſtly lived on what grew wild o
the mountain. At firſt he wanted water: but God p-
duced a ſpring with a conſtant ſtream near his dwelhng,
The reputation of his ſanctity being ſpread throughthe
neighbouring provinces, ſeveral perſons choſe to live
near him, and built there a laura of cells. Paul, who
had been careleſs of himſelf as to all corporal neceſſy
ries, was ſolicitous that no proviſions ſhould be waning
to thoſe that lived under his direction. After twehe
ears regretting to ſee his ſolitude too much broken into, which
= ſecretly withdrew into a wild part of the mountains he is c
; Where he had no company but that of wild beaſts. Hon. broke
ever he viſited his brethren from time to time, to em- dars o
fort and encourage them; and he ſometimes led then well u
into the foreſts to ſing the divine praiſes together, Bin Cal
ing once aſked why he appeared ſometimes joyful, al n. 52.
other times ſad, he anſwered: When nothing divers
my thoughts from God, my heart ſwims in excels d
overflowing joy, inſomuch that I often forget my foo
and all earthly things: but it is an affliction to bv
amidſt the diſtraction of worldly converſation;” On
certain neceſſary occaſions he diſcloſed ſomething of t g. T.
wonderful communications which paſſed between his The
and God, and of the heavenly, favours which he rec Auſti
ed in contemplation. Defiring to find a cloſer tete | .
ment, he paſſed to the ifle of Samos, and there cot ys
cealed himſelf in a cave upon mount Cerces. But
was ſoon diſcovered, and many flocking to him, he
eſtabliſhed three Lauras, which had been ruined by t [ |
Saracens, in that iſland. The importunate jntreati T*
of the monks of his Laura at Latrus prevailed upon nn When |
to return to his former cell on the top of that mountal n the
There he lived in the practice of penance and-contemifiy wich tl
plation, but refuſed not inſtructions to thoſe that cel ae
hem. The emperor Conſtantine Porphyrogenetta wo
Dec. 21. 8. THOMAS, Apoſtle. 255
frequently to him, aſked his advice in affairs of import -
ance, and had always reaſon to repent when he did not
follow it. Popes, biſhops, and princes often ſent meſ-
fges to him. Such was his tenderneſs for the poor,
that he gave them every part of his own coarſe meat
and clothes which it was in his power to retrench: and
once he would have fold himſelf for a flave to procure
aliſtance for certain perſons in deep diſtreſs, had he not
been prevented. Toward the end of his life he drew up
rules for his Laura. On the 6th of December, in 956,
ſoreſeeing that his death drew near, he came down =
his cell to his Laura, ſaid maſs more early than uſual,
then took to his bed, being ſeized with a violent fever,
He ſpent his laſt moments in prayer, and in repeating
tender inſtructions to his monks till his happy death,
which fell out on the 15th of December, on which day
he is commemorated in the Greek Synaxarium, Pape-
broke tells us, he found his name in ſome Greek calen-
dars on the 21ſt of December. See his life, which is
well wrote, quoted by Leo Allatius, and Joſ. Aſſemani
in Cal. Univ. T. 5. p. 467. abridged by Fleury, I. 55.
0.52. T. 12. p. 101, &c. | |
D E C E M B E R XXI.
st. THOMAS, Apoſtle.
dee Tillemont, T. 1. p. 355. Ant. Pagi, Critica, vol. 1. p. 421.
The falſe Acts of St. Thomas are rejected by pope Gelaſius, 8.
Auſtin, 1, contra Adimant. c. 12, Contra Fauſt, I. 22. c. g. and
. 1. de ſerm. D. in Monte. 8. Athan. in Synopſi, S. Epiph. her.
47. and S. Cyril, cap. 6. This laſt aſeribes theſe Acts to Thomas
a Manichean. Thoſe in Metaphraſtes are taken from them.
Firſt Age. |
Ir was not unuſual for the Jews, and other Orientals,
when they converſed with other nations, to aſſume names
in the language of thoſe countries of the ſame, import
vith thoſe which they bore in their own, that the ſound
might be leſs uncouth or harſh to ſuch foreigners. Fer
where languages, though there is always ſome general
Tz
276 8. THOMAS, Apoſtle, Dee: 44
analogy, differ too widely, as thoſe of the Oriental Af
one ſide, and on the other the Sclavonian, do from d, Wl and «
names in the one appear diſagreeable in pronunciation" Wl conv!
unleſs they are foftened, and brought to ſome affinity, not be
Thus Tabita was in Greek called Dorcas, a doe: Ceptiny Wl pon!
Heter, Thomas and Didymus, Thauma, or Than, it was
Chaldaic ſignifying a Tin. St. Thomas was a Jew! Wil might
and probably a Gahlzan of low condition, according i 19unc
Metaphraſtes a fiſherman. He had the happmeſs to fo our m
low Chriſt, and was made by him an apoſtte in the year poſtle
31. (1) If he appears to have been flow in underſtand WY and his
ing, and unacquainted with ſecular learning, he radde Wl their d.
up for this by the candour and ſimplicity of his heart” nt
and the ardour of his piety and defires. Of this hegen his!
a proof when Jeſus was going up to the neighbouroand in
of Jeruſalem in order to raiſe Lazarus to life, whete abers
prieſts and Phariſees were contriving his death;* he not
reſt of the diſciples endeavoured to diſſuade him dat bei
that journey, ſaying: Rabbi, the Jeus but now! fe ſpect.
to lone thee; and goeft thou thither aguin? But St. A5 e linne
mas laid to his fellow-diſciples: Let us alſo 20, "Hat er the
may die with him. (2) So ardent was his love of hd the
vine maſter, even before the deſcent of the Holy GholtWsonal
When gur Lord at his laſt ſupper acquainted his dic meſſe
ples that he was about to leave them; but told them m int
their comfort that he was going to prepare a place da of
them in his Father's honſe, our apoſtle, who vehement broug
ly deſired to follow him, faid : Lord, we know'wot wii ſumi
ther thou goeſt, and how can we know the way ? (3) as
preſently rectified his miſapprehenſion by returning, tr") bu
thort, but ſatisfactory anſwer : 1 am the May, and oe,
Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Farber buoys
me. By which he gave to underſtand, that by his do geld h
trine and example he had taught men the path of fal the
tion, and that he is the author of the Way that lea '< eaſ)
to life, which he hath both opened and diſcovered” wid
us; that he is the teacher of that Truth which direW-<"V<d t
to it; and the giver of that Life of giace here, anda bole aff
glorious eternity hereafter, which is to be obtained .. S0
walking in this way, and according to this truth. ' _. tier paſ
(1) Mat. x. 3. (2) John xi. 16. - John xiv. $ 6.
*
Dec. 21. S. THOMAS, Apoſtle. 277
After our Lord had ſuffered, was riſen from the dead,
and on the ſame day had appeared to his diſciples, ta
onvince them of the truth of his reſurrection, Thomas
dot being with them on that occaſion; refuſed t9 believe
upon their report that he was truly riſen, preſuming that
it was only. a, phantom, or mere apparition, unleſs he
might ſee the very prints of the nails, and feel the
wounds in his hands and fide. On that day *
aur merciful Lord, with infinite condeſcenſion to this
poſtle's weaknels, preſented. himſelf again, when he
and his colleagues were aſſembled tagether, probably at
their devoticns:. and after the. uſual ſalutation of, Peace
þ unto you; he turned to Thomas, and; bid him Jook. up-
on his hands, and put his finger into the hole of. his ſide,
nd into the prints of the nails. St. Auſtin and many
ahers doubt not but this apoſtle did ſo; though this
he not mentioned by the Evangeliſt, and ſome think,
that being convinced, he refrained out of modeſty and
eſpect. It is obſerved by St. Auſtin and others, that
e ſinned by obſtinacy, preſumption, and incredulity;
br the reſurrection of Chriſt was no more than Moſes
ind the prophets had long before foretold. Nor was jt
ſonable in him to reject the teſtimony of ſuch eye ·
ntnetſes. And this ſtubbornneſs might have betrayed
lim into infidelity. However his refractorineſs was not
lin of malice, and the mercy of our Redeemer not on-
brought him to ſaving repentance, but raiſed him ta
e ſummit of holy charity and perfect virtue. St, Tho-
us was no ſooner convinced of the reality of the my
ry, but penetrated with compunAion,, awez- and ten-
love, he cried, out; My Lord and my God. (4). .. Prob
ating to him all the powers of his foul, he acknows
deed him the only and ſovereign Lord of his heart,
d the ſole object of all his affections. Nothigg is
pre eaſy than to repeat theſe words: hut to prongunce
em with a fincere and perfect diſpoſition, is a privilege
rved to thoſe, ho are crucified ta the world, and in
hoſe affections God only reigns by his pure and perfect
ie. So long as pride, envy, avarice, ſenſuality, or
ter paſſions challenge to themſelves any ſhares in our
) John . 28.
278 . $8. THOMAS, Apoſtle. Dee. 21
affections, Chriſt has not eſtabliſhed in them the em-
ire of his grace; and it is only in lying and hypoen
— we call him our God and our ge Let 2 —
labour without ceaſing, by compunction and holy pray.
er, to attain to this happineſs, that Chriſt may eſtabliſh
his reign in us, and that we may be able to ſay with dur
whole hearts: My Lord and my God. Theſe words 8.
Thomas ſpoke with an entire faith, believing him tally
God, whoſe humanity only he faw, confeſſing him'om-
nipotent, in overcoming death and hell, and acknoy-
ledging his omniſcience, who knew the doubts and ſery-
ples of his heart. The apoſtle alſo expreſſed by them
the ardour of his love, which the particle my God dearly
indicates. If we love our God and Redeemer, can de
ceaſe ſweetly, but with awe and trembling, to call him
our Lord and our God, and to beg with torrents of teas
that he become more and more perfectly the God an
king of our hearts? From this apoſtle's incredulity Chrift
mercifully drew the ſtrongeſt evidence of his reſurrec-
tion for the confirmation of our faith beyond all cavi
or contradiction. Whence St. Gregory the Great ſays:
(5) By this doubting of Thomas we are more confirm-
ed in our belief, than by the faith of the other apoſtles"
Some other fathers take notice, that our apoſtle,” by
this confeſſion, ſhews himſelf a perfect theologian, in-
ſtructed in the very ſchool of truth, declaring in Chit
two diſtin natures in one and the fame perſon, his
humanity by the word Lord, and his divinity by ' the
word God. Faith in the beginning ſtood in need of
miracles, by which God impreſſed the ſtamp of his au-
thority upon his holy revelation. But ſuch are the marks
and characteriſtics of his truth herein, that thoſe” who
can ſtill ſtand out againſt all the light and evidence >
the chriſtian revelation, would bar their heart againſt
all conviction from miracles. There were infidels amidſt
the diſpenſation of the moſt evident miracles as well #
now. So true it is, that he who believeth not Voſs
and the prophets, would not believe the greateſt of al
miracles, one riſen from the dead. e
(5) 8. Greg. hom. 26. in Evang.
ee: 21.
1e em-
pocriſy
at leaſt
pray
ſtabliſh
1th our
rds St.
.
im om-
cknoy-
1d ſeri-
y them
clearly
dan ve
all him
of teatz
70d and
y Chriſt
eſurrec-
11] 'cavil
Dec. 21. 8. THOMAS, Apoſtle. 279
After the deſcent of the Holy Ghoſt, St. Thomas
commilioned Thaddeus to inſtruct and baptize Abgar,
king or toparch of Edeſſa. This prince according to
th: records kept in the church of Edeſſa, tranſcribed by
Euſebius (6) and mentioned by St. Ephrem, (7) had
wrote to Chriſt to invite him into his kingdom, and beg-
ging to be cured by him of a diſtemper with which he was
fitted. Chriſt, in his anſwer, told him, that he muſt
accompliſh the things for which he was ſent, and then
return to him who ſent - him: but that immediately
iter his aſcenſion he would ſend one of his diſciples
to the king, to heal him, and give-life to- him and all
his family. (a) This promiſe of our Lord was made
god by St. Thomas, who, by a ſpecial direction of
the Holy Ghoſt, ſent Thaddæus, one of the ſeventy-/
two diſciples, and according to ſome, his own brother,
to Edeſſa, who reſtored the king to his health, baptized
him and many others, and planted Chriftianity in that
country. This diſciple Thaddæus is diſtin from St,
Judas the apoſtle, and is honoured by the Greeks, who
tell us that he died at Berytus in Phoenicia, on the 21ſt
of Auguſt. As for St. Thomas, Origen (8) informs us,
that 1n the diſtribution made by the twelve, Parthia was
particularly aſſigned to him for his apoſtolic province;
when this nation held the place of the Perſian empire;
ad diſputed the ſovereignty with the Romans. After
preaching with good ſucceſs in the particular provineg
of Parthia, he 44 the ſame in other nations ſubject to
6) Hiſt. 1. 1. c. 13. ed. Cantabr. 5) 8. Ephr. in Teſs
— N 2 4476 $130 Anno 7555 | 00 8 Euſ.
ra een 2
(a) This letter of Abgar to Chriſt, and our Lord's anſwer, ate |
ſjefted as counterfeit by Eraſmus, Coſter, Melchior Cano, Bellar-
nin, Dupin, Rich. Simon, and Natalis Alex- ſao. 1. diſſ. 3. Among
the Proteſtants, by Rivet, Hornbeck, the younger. Spanheim, Fer
But are ſtifly maintained to be genuine by Tillemont, T. 1. Reading,
(not. in Euſ. p. 36.) &c. See Grabe, Spicilegium Patrum, T. x, p.
. & 6. James Baſnage Hiſt. des Juifs, I. i. e. 8. p. go. The:
oph. digf. Bayer, Hiſt. Edeffena et Oſtoena, 1. 4 p. 04. Joſ. 81
mon Aſſemani, Bibl. Orient. T. 1. p. 318, 420, 554. Joan. Albert,
Fabricius, Codex Apochryphus N. Tf. 1 5. p 317. Le vie d.
Onen. Chriſt. T. 2. p. 624. Mamachi, Orig Eceleſ. l. 2. F..
p. 301, 2 2 9 N 1
280 S. THOMAS, Apoſtle. Dec. 27
that empire, and over all the Eaſt. . Sophronius 0
mentions, that by his apoſtolic labours he eftabliſhed.
faith among the Medes, Perſians, Carmanians, Hyrca,
nians, Bactrians, and other nations in thoſe parts Mo.
dern Greeks mention alſo the Indians and Ethiopians.
(10) but theſe appellations were ſometimes given by the
ancients to all the Eaſtern nations. The modern Indliam
and Portugueſe tell us, that St. Thomas preached ta the
Bracmans, and to the Indians beyond the great iſland
Taprobana, which ſome take to be Ceylon, othem Gu.
matra. They add, that he ſuffered martyrdom at Me;
liapor, or St. Thomas's, in the peninſula on this fide
the Ganges, on the coaſt of Coromandel, where his body
was diſcovered, with certain marks that he! was flain
with lances: and that ſuch was the manner of his death
is the tradition of all the Eaſtern countries. Euſebius among
affirms (11) in general, that the apoſtles died by ma- toned
tyrdom. Theodoret (12) and St. Aſterius of Amaſaa (14) e cor
mention St. Thomas among the, principal martyrs-of WM © St.
the church. St. Nilus ſays, that he received the crow BY moſt :
of, martyrdom. after SS. Peter and Paul. (14) St. G. burt!
dentius mentions, (15) that he was ſlain by the inſideb Wl Ma
and that the mitacles which were performed through Wi bund.
him ſhew that he ſtill lives with God. The ſame father
and Sophronius teſtify, that he died at Calamina in lu- (17)
dia. This city the modern Indians ſuppoſe to be Mels Er
por. But Tillemont and many others think it was not
far from Edeſſa, and that it is not clear that he ever 100
preached beyond the iſle of Taprobana. Beayſabse (1 i:
Thinks he never preached far beyond Parthia and Perla, &. Tho
For the name of king Gundaphore, mentioned. by Leu - be E
cius, in his falſe Acts, and his copier Pſeudo. Abd s ynq
| ſeems corruptly, written for the king of Gundſchavut, ot
gandiſapory which: city. was rebuilt by Artaxerxes, who Wl Kad: (
founded the ſecond Perſian monarchy, and called fm i, ©
„ .
=
tare Evan e alert ode „ ee ee A
= (9) Sopbron. ap. S. Hier, in Cat. de S. Thoma. Theodore: de "=
1 Sa 9. (io) Niceph. Hiſt. I. 2. c. 10. (ii)] Eu in N inferior
Ixxi. in colleQtione Patr. Græc. See Montſaucon, Proleg, ib. c. 9 3
36. (12) Theodoret de curand. Græc. Affect. c. 8. (13) eren T
Aſter. Serm. 10. (414) 8. Nilus ap. Phot. cod. 276. (150,8
Gaud. Serm. 17. (16 Hiſt, de Manichée, 1, 2. c. 5. p. 401,466
Dec. 21. S. "THOMAS, Apoſtls; 281
tis ſon Schavar, Whom the Greeks name Sapor L who
made it his reſidence. The author of theſe falſe Acts
ve to the city the name which it bore when he wrote.
All the falte Acts, and the Greek: Menæa agree; that
the infidel king was incenſed againſt the apoſtle for havs
ing baptized ſome perſons of his court (ſome ſay his wife
ind ſon), that he delivered him over to his foldiers; in
ander to be put to death, and that he was conveyed by
them to a neighbouring mountain, and there ſtabbed
with a lance. It is certain that his body was carried to
the city of Edeſſa, where it was honoured in. the great
church with fingular veneration, when St. Chryſoſtom,
Rufn, Socrates, Sozomen, and St. Gregory of Tours
(15) wrote. St. Chry ſaſtom ſays, (18) that the ſepul-
chres only of S8. Peter and Paul, John and Thomas,
among all the apoſtles were then knoun: and it is men-
toned to have been at Edeſſa in the oration on this apoſ-
le compiled in the year 402, publiſhed among the works
of St. Chry ſoſtom. The church of Edeſſa was certainly
moſt numerous and flouriſhing in the ſecond, third, and
ourth ages.\{1 9) 64h bun £4 1rd rront 1 ct ome
Many diſtant churches in the Eaft aſcribe their firſt
fou2dation to St. Thomas, (4) eſpecially that of Melia-
TI”
(bats 44 1 : eil
(17) 8. Greg. Tour. I. de glor. Mart. c 32 (8) 8. Chry
dom. 26. in Hebr. T. 12. p. 237. Rufin Hiſt. Eecl. 1, 2. c. 5. (ig) See
Lul. l. 5. c. 23. Cbron. Hdeſſenum ap. Joſ. Aſſem, T. 1. Bibl. Orient.
p. 422. Le Quien, Orien. Chriſt. T. 2. p. 65 . n
(b) The Moguls, and ſome other nations of Great Tartary, a
ſaid to have received the ſeeds of our holy faith by the preaching
N. Thomas. That it was formerly planted both about Tibet, and'ih
bue Eaſtern paris of Great-/Tartary toward the borders of China,
s unqueſtionable. The great princes called Preſter-John (the laſt of
whom that reigned with great power was conquered and ſlain by Gin-
glean) certainly reigned in Eaſtern Tartary, in Aſia, as Otto Frifin-
genſis (I. 7. c. 38.), Martinus Polonus, Albericus, Vincent of Beau
nis, Sanutns, James of Vitri, Paulus Venetus, &c. aſſure us: con-
quently not in Africa, as Renaudot would make us believe (Hitt,
far. Alex. p. 233 & 337), an author in accuracy and judgment much
ſerior to Herbetor, though the collection of the latter is not d igeſf-
ed, nor did the compiler compare the parts together. Catrou ( Hifk.
general de l' emp. du Mogel, T. 1. p. 7.) is willing to believe, that
eren Tamerlane leaned to Chtiſtianity: but Hetbelot (p. 888.) with
nere reaſon thinks, that he favoured chiefly Mahometaniſm. —
| 0
0
282 $8, THOMAS, Apoſtle. Dee. 31,
r: but many of them probably received the faith
— his diſciples. The uſe of bs Chaldzan . —
in the churches, and the dependence on the patriarch of
Moſul, which the church of Meliapor, and all the Chri-
tians of St. Thomas in the Eaſt profeſs, ſeem to ſhey,
that their firſt teachers came from the churches of Aff.
ria ; in which the patriarchs of Moſul (a city built upon
the ruins of Seleucia, erroneouſly called Babylon) exer-
ciſe a juriſdiction, and have been for many ages the pro.
pagators of the Neſtorian hereſy, with which they are
tinctured, The Portugueſe, when. they came into the
Eaſt-Indies, found there the St. Thomas-Chriſtiang, it i
ſaid to the number of fifteen thouſand families, on the
coaſt of Malabar. For a detail of the Neſtorian phraſes
and other errors, abuſes, and ſuperſtitions which prevail
among them, ſee the ſynod held at Diamper, in de roi
kingdom of Cochin, in 1599, by Alexius de Menezes gueſe
archbiſhop of Goa: in the preface it is ſhewn, that theſe Wl The!
Chriſtians were drawn into Neſtorianiſm only in the ninth Drcen
century, by means of certain Neſtorian prieſts uo
came thither from Armenia and Perſia, On two feſtis The
vals which they keep in honour of St. Thomas, they - of the
ſort in great crouds to the place of his burial ; on'Low Wl fiend:
Sunday, in honour of his confeſſion of Chriſt, which Wi they v
goſpel is then read, and chiefly on the 1ſt of July, his hig
principal feaſt in the churches of the Indies. John I friends
Ling of Portugal, ordered the body of St. Thomas tw ind e:
be ſought for in an old ruinous chapel which ſtood. over Wl ting
his tomb without the walls of Meliapor. By digging a all
there in 1523, a very deep vault in form of a ch. ct this
pel was diſcovered, in which were found the boges of jezrts
the ſaint, with a part of the lance with which he val hon
ae as
dog oi
fect in
ſteward
ment «
though
(20)
ueſles «
iv, II
of theſe Tartars were Catholics: but many were Neſtorians, and
obeyed the patriarch, of Moſul. Neſtorianifin was diſtinguiſhed by
ſeveral privileges under the Mahometans. (See Renaudot, ot. in vel.
Latin. Itiner. in Indian. n. 39 Aſſemani Bibl. Orient, T. 3: p. 10%
215. & vol. 4. p. 94) The Eutychians were not leſs encouraged of
the ſame malters.: (See Renaud, Hiſt. Patr. Alex, p. 166. Jol
Aſſemani, T. 3. &c. and among the Proteſtants Moſheim, Hill
Eccl. Tartar, &c.) From the Tartars it ſeems, that the Chineſe had
formerly ſome acquaintance with our holy religion, of which the lam
miſſionaries found certain monuments. See Mamachi, T. 2. p. 373.
Nec, 21. S. THOM A'S, Apoſtle. 283
in, and a vial tinged with his blood; The body of
he apoſtle was put in a cheſt of porcelain, varniſhed and
gdorned with ſilver. The bones of the prince whom he
ad baptized, and ſome other of his diſciples, which were
i{covered in the ſame vault, were laid in another leſs
precious cheſt. (20) The Portugueſe' built a new town
tout this church, which is called St. "Thomas's, inha-
ited by Chriſtians of ſeveral denominations; and ſituate
uud by Meliapor, which is inhabited by the Indians.
Many of the Chriſtians of St. Thomas have been
brought over to the Catholic faith and communion ; but
many continue in the Neſtorian errors, and in obedience
of the Neſtorian patriarch of Moſul, Since the Dutch
have taken or ruined moſt of the Portugueſe (ſettlements
on that coaſt, the Indian king ob Golcond has taken
poſſeſſion of the town of St. Thomas, but the Portu-
gueſe milſl:oaAaries continue to attend the Catholics there:
The Latins keep the feaſt of St. Thomas on the 2 iſt of
December, the Greeks on the 6th of October, and the
Indians on the iſt of July. erb e 8
The apoſtles were mean and contemptible in the eyes
of the world, neither recommended by birth, riches,
friends, learning, nor abilities. Yer totally deſtitute as
t, which Wi they were of all thoſe advantages on which men here ſet
— be © high a price, they were choſen by Chriſt, made his
ohn Ill friends, repleniſhed with his graces and holy charity,
a and exalted to the dignity of ſpiritual princes of his
kingdom, and judges of the world. Blind and fooliſh
ae all men who over-rate and eagerly purſue the goods
of this life; or who fo enjoy them as to ſuffer their
hearts to be wedded to them. Worldly pleaſures, riches,
or honours, if they become the object of our affections,
ae as it were fetters which faſten us to the earth, and
dog our ſouls: and it is ſo hard to enjoy them with per-
ſect indifference, to conſider them 3 as a dangerous
ſtewardſhip, and to employ them only for the advance-
ment of virtue in ourſelves and others, that many ſaints
thought it ſafer utterly to renounce them, and others
(20) See Maffei, Indic, I. 2. p. 85. and Lafitau Hiſt. des Con-
ax des Portuguais dans le nouveau Monde, |. 11. T. 1. p. 327,
av, Hiſtory, vol. 20. c. 31. p. 106. | |
e other a penitential religious habit, bidding her take
der choice. The royal virgin with great joy took up
e latter. Whereupon her parents put her in the nun-
deny of St. Mary to be educated under the care of the
ibbeſs Etheldreda, where ſhe afterward became a nun,
nd having ſerved God with great fervour, died of a fe-
tr. Biſhop Ethel wold took up her ſacred remains, and
n them in a rich ſhrine, which the abbeſs Elfleda co-
ered with gold and filver. Algiva daughter of count
thelwold was abbeſs of this houſe, when Egilward or
ward-Wada earl of Dorſetſhire deſired of her a por-
on of the relicks of this holy perſon for the mona(-
ry of Perſhore in Worceſterſhire, which had been de-
royed by the Danes, and he had juſt rebuilt. The ab-
ts gave him part of her ſkull, ſome of her ribs and
ther bones, which were incloſed in a rich caſe, and
ere kept at Perſhore as its moſt precious treaſures
hough the principal part of her body was venerated”
it St. Mary's in Wincheſter. See Leland Collect. T.
l. p. 51. 278. T. 2. p. 264. William of Malmeſbu-
, &c. CA 38 8
D E c E MB E R XXII.
he ſaints
it is by St. IS CHVY RIO N, M.
ir laboum |
oly faith ron St. Dionyſius of Alexandria ap. Euſ. 1. 6. c. 42. See Baronius
have e #1 An. 253. n. 107. ed. nov. Lucenſis per Venturini, and Annot,
n martyr, Rom.
| A. D. 253.
the fou HH
and h ScnvyRION was an inferior officer who attended on
uns, oe magiſtrate of a certain city in Egypt, which St. Dio-
ither Nas has not named. His maſter. commanded him to
the Elder ſacrifice to the idols: and becauſe he refuſed to
- EdburgeWonmit that ſacrilege, reproached him with the moſt
Ile deſpiFntumelious. and threatening ſpeeches. By giving way
vorthy a bis paſſion and ſuperſtition he at length worked him-
g Edward! up to that degree of frenzy, as to run a ſtake into
nents, ou: bowels of the meek ſervant of Chriſt, who by his
ent conſtancy attained to the glory of martyrdom... .
—
296 8 T 8 C H YRIO 'N, M. Dec. 22. Dec. 2
We juſtly praiſe and admire. the tender piety and he- noves
roic fortitude of this holy ſeryant and martyr. It is not nents
a man's condition, but virtue, that can make him truly Will ** Ke
great, ot truly happy. How mean ſoever a perſon's ſta- WM pid
non or circumſtances may be, the road to both is open ll V. de
to him: and there is not a ſervant or flave who ought Ml ir 0
not to be enkindled with. a laudable ambition of arriving i bever
- at this greatneſs,” which will ſet him on the fame leyel wile tc
with the, rich and the moft powerful, Nay, a ſervants Ml "pin
condition has generally ſtronger incitements to holineſs, V mar
and fewer obſtacles and temptations than, moſt others, wd,
But for this he muſt; in the firſt. place, be faithful to
God, and ardent in all practices of devotion. Some a-
lege want of time to pray. But their meals, their ſleep, WF 88.
their diverſions demonſtrate, that it is not time, but zeal BY vas af
for the divine ſervice, that is wanting. What Chriſtian WM © an i
does not bluſh at his lazineſs in this duty, when he calls Wi <ucati
to mind Epictetus's lamp, and Cleanthes's labour, who © lear:
wrought; and earned by night what might maintain him but pie
in the ſtudy of philoſophy by day! Prayer in ſuch a ſta-W vs pro
tion ought not to treſpaſs upon work, but who cannot th gr
even at his work raiſe his mind to God in frequent ejacu - Marcha
lations! Alſo induſtry, faithfulneſs; with the moſt ſcru-W ls virt:
-pulous exactneſs, obedience, reſpect, eſteem, and ſin · ¶ K. Cyr:
. cere love which a ſervant owes to a maſter, with a care lim, th
of. their honour and intereſt, are duties to God, whoſe
will he does, and whom he honours in proportion to the
diligence #nd ardour with which he acquits himſelf o
them. Juſtice, charity, concord, and ready mutual a How gr
fiſtance are virtues conſtantly to be exerciſed toward de blin
fellow - ſervants, upon which depend the peace, happinels, I Pon ,
and good order of the whole family. Patience, meeck. This is
neſs, humility, and charity muſt be called forth on a de afor,
occaſions, eſpecially under reproofs and injuries, which Suncil,
muſt always be received in ſilence, and with ſweetneß theſe w
kindneis, and a degree of gratitude when they carry an powerful
admonitions with them. Perfect reſignation to the vil de fixth
of God, and confidence in his infinite wiſdom, power "to ten
and goodneſs muſt be joined witty conftant cheerfulneſ bins, rh;
dd contentedneſs in a perſon's ſtation, which brings ſer . () Ca;
_ - vanes much greater advantages for ſappineſs, and ii Let Sa,.
c. 22,
1d he-
is not
| truly
vs ſta-
s open
ought
rriving
e level
rvant's
olinels,
others.
hful to
OMe al-
Ir ſleep,
Dut zeal
hriſtian
he calls
ar, who
ain him
ch a fta-
cannot
nt ejacu-
oft ſcru-
and ſin-
ha care
es, which
(weernels,
Dec. 22.
moves them from dangers, hazards, and diſappoint-
ments more than is generally conſidered, Servants who
ue kept moſtly for ſtate, are of all others moſt ex-
wled to dangers and ruin, and moſt unhappy z but muſt
by devotion and other ſerious employments fill up all
their moments. By ſuch a conduct, a ſervant, how low
beyer his condition may appear in the eyes of men, will
viſe to the trueſt greatneſs, attain to preſent and future
happineſs, and approve himſelf dear to God, valuable
o man, a moſt uſeful member of the republic of the
world, and a bleſſing of the family wherein he lives.
ss. CYRIL, Ker c. 287
On THe same Day.
88. Cyr1L and METHoDIus, CC. Conſtantine, who
was afterwards called Cyril, was born at Theſſalonica,
df an illuſtrious ſenatorian Roman family.
education at Conſtantinople, and
He had his
| by his great progreſs
n learning deſerved to be ſurnamed The Philoſopher:
but piety was the moſt ſhining part of his character. He
was promoted to the prieſthood, and ferved the church
vith great zeal. St, Ignatius being advanced' to the pa-
marchal dignity in 846, Photius ſer himſelf to decry
lis virtues, and diſputed that every man has two ſouls.
d. Cyril reproved him for this error. Photius anſwered
lim, that he meant not to hurt any one, but to try the
wilities and logic of Ignatius. To which wretched ex-
euſe Cyril replied: You have thrown your dar:s into
tbe midſt of the croud, yet pretend no one Will be hurt.
Ho great ſoever the eyes of your wiſdom may be, they
ne blinded by the ſmoke of avarice and envy. Your
palion againſt Ignatius deprived you of your fight.”
This is related by Anaſtaſius the Bibliothecarian, and
tte aforeſaid error was condemned in the eighth general
Wuncil. (1) The Chazari at that time defired baptiſm.
Theſe were a tribe of Turci, the moſt numerous and
poverfu] nation of the Hunns in European Scythia. In
de ſixth century they were divided into ſeven, ſometimes
into ten tribes; governed by ſo many independent Cha-
pans, that is, Chams or e (2) They drove the
"(1) Can. 11. T. 8. p. 1132. (2) Jof Aſfem. Orig
—— EEE EH OTE CIITER
/
288 Ss. CV RI L, &. C. Dec. 22.
Abares, and other nations of the Hunns, from the banks
of the Ethel, ſince called Volga, towards the Danube,
in the reigns of the emperors Mauricius and Tiberius,
ho botli honoured EE alliance, and two
us! embaſſies, deſcribed at large by the emperor
8 Porphyrogenetta, 0 3 and by Theophylatus
Simocatra. > The Chazari, who deſcended from the Tur-
ci (a) had poſſeſſed themſelves of a territory near Ger-
many, upon the banks of the Danube, which Porphy-
netta defcribes in his time to have had the Bulgarians
on the Eaſt] the Patzinacitæ (who came alſo from the
Volga) on the North, Moravia on the Weſt, and on the
South the Schrobati, a tribe of Bulgarians ſettled in the
mountains. This nation, by a ſolemn embaſſy, ad-
dreſſed thernſelves to the emperor Michael III. and his
ious mother Theodora, ing that ſome prieſts might
be ſent to inſtruct them in the faith. The emprels ſent
for St. Ignatius the patriarch, and by his advice and au-
thority St. Cyril was charged with this important miſſion,
This Been ce year 848; as Henſchenius and [ol.
Aſſemani prove; not in 843; as Cohlius writes. The
language of the Chazari was not the Sclavonian, as Hen-
ſchenius; thinks, but that of the Hunns or Turci, which
was entirely different, ſays Aſſemani. That Cyril un-
derſtood the Sclavonian, Greek and Latin languages, is
clear from the two hiſtories of his life. That for this
miſſion he learned alſo the Turcic, which was ſpoke by
the Hunns, Chazari, and Tartars, we cannot doubt.
In a ſhort time- HE inſtructed and baptized the Cham,
and his whole nation, and having ſettled his church un-
der the care of able paſtors, returned to Conſtantinople,
abſolutely refuſing to accept any part of the great
— . with which che prince would have honoured
—
000. —— 8 32 a + 1 N N
843) Pandextz Hiſt. de Legationibus, p. 161. |
( From theſe ancient Turci among the Hunt in Scythia, ſome
think the Turks among the zian Tartars in Aſia to be deſcend-
ed, Likewiſe the Tartars 8 But Cooſtantine Porphyro-
ili. de tegendo imperio ad Romanum filium) and other Byzau-
tine writers, call alſo the Hungari, and other Northern nations, he ·
ther of Rurope of Mia, by the ſame name Lurci.
*
Jec. 22,
> banks
anube,
berius,
id two
mperor
ylactus
e Tur-
xr Ger-
'orphy-
parians
"mM the
on the
in the
ly,” ad-
nd his
might
eſs ſent
ind au-
miſſion.
ine ancient My ſia, and Dacia, on both ſides the Da-
nube, now Walachia, Moldavia, and part of Hungary.
They eame from the banks of the Volga,
Dee. 22. 88. CYRIL, &c. CC. 289
The ſaint's ſecond miſſion was to the Bulgarians, in
which his devout brother Methodius, a monk, was his
chief affiſtant. The. Bulgari were a Scythian nation, not
of the Hunns, but of the Slavi, whoſe language was
quite different from that of the Turci and all the Hunns.
They ſeem to have been originally planted near the
Volga, and to have retired at the ſame time with the
Abares upon the coming of the numerous ſwarm of the
Turci from the coaſts of the Caſpian ſea, under their
cham Turaathus, as Evagrius, Theophanes, and Simo-
eatta relate. The Bulgari are firſt mentioned near the
Danube, about: the year 634, when Cobratus their king
made an alliance with the emperor Heraclius againſt the
Abares, as Theophanes and the patriarch Nicephorus
inform us. The Servii were another nation of the Slavi,
vho accompanied the Bulgari, and founded the king-
dom of Servia. The Bulgari poſſeſſed themſelves of
in the reign
of Anaſtaſius, and erected here a mighty kingdom. (
The firſt ſeeds of the converſion of this barbarous na-
ton were ſown by certain Grecian captives taken at
Adrianople in the reign of the emperor Bafil the Mace-
donian: but this great work was completed. many years
ater by; the following means. Boigoris, king of the
Zulgarians; was inclined to the faith by the aſſiduous
Jong perſuaſions of his ſiſter, who had zealouſly em-
beaced ĩt at Conſtantidople, having been taken captive,
and detained a long time in the court of the pious em-
Pits Theodora. But human motives hardened his heart
til God was pleaſed to awake him by a more powerful
all, This prince, who was paſſionately fond of hunt-
ug, deſired the emperor to procure him a picture which
Bould be a curious hunting: piece. Methodius, accord.
ug to the cuſtom of many de vout monłks in that age,
auployed himſelf in drawing pious pictures, and ex-
filled in that art. —— ſent to the contt
(ht '* .n + . n 20 OT ROI 1 x
N . flouriſkied till John their laſt king being Cain
A .* to the empire: upon hic alfs
de Chazari, 2 — and
ta voluntarily ſubmitted to him.
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- 290 88. CYRIL, &..CC. Dee. 3.
; of the king, who having built a new palace, was defir-
aous to adorn it with paintings. He gave the gobd monk
an order to draw him ſome piece, which by the very
ſight would ſtrike terror into thoſe that beheld it. Me-
thodius thinking nothing more aweful than the general
- judgment, repreſented in the moſt lively colours, and
- with exquiſite art, that awful ſcene, with kings, princes,
and people ſtanding promiſeuouſly before the throne of
the great judge, who appeared armed with all the terrors
aof infinite mgyeſty and juſtice, attended by angels: ſome
were placed on the right hand, and others on the left.
The moving fight, and ſtill much more the explication
of every part of this dreadful ſcene ſtrongly affected the
mind of the king, who from that moment reſolved to
baniſh all other ſuggeſtions, and to be inſtructed in the
faith: in which Methedius was ready to aſſiſt him. He
was / baptized by Greek prieſts, not at Conſtantinople,
as ſome miſtake, but in Bulgatia : for all our hiſtorians
add, that upon the news that the king had been bap-
tized in the night, the people took arms the next morn-
ing, and marched in open rebellion towards the palace.
But the king taking a little crofs which he carried in his
breaſt, put himſelf at the head of his guards, and calily
defeated the rebels. At his baptiſm he took the name
of Michael. In a ſhort time his e imitated his ex-
-ample, and embraced the faith (4 Pagi places the
baptiim of this King in 66. Baronius and Henſchenius
in 846. Joſeph A ſſomani in 865.1 The new converted
king ſent ambaſſaclors to pope Nicholas I. with Jette
and preſents, begging inſtructions what more he ougt
to da. (5) The: pope: with letters: ſent legates to com.
gtatulate with hirn, in 867. The: legates being biſhops
gave the ſacrament of confirmation to thoſe who had
| — baptized by the. Greek priefts, though theſe had
before, according to the rite of their church, |
them with chriſm: which the Latins indeed have always
done, but on the head in baptiſm, not on the
The ſame legates alſo taught the Bulgarians to faſt on
hee the two. lives of St. Cyril, rl
my 0.4
lates, - Cedrenus, Zonaras. (5): Anaſtal, Bibl.
ipſe Nicolaus ep. 70. — ; :
SS. CY RAIL, &e. CC, 201
Saturdays: which points gave offence to Photius who in
866 had ſchiſmatically uſurped the patriarchal ſee, and
haniſhed St. Ignatius. Some Bulgarians had been bap-
tized in caſes of neceſſity by laymen, and even by infi-
dels. Pope Nicholas I. declared this baptiſm to be good
and valid, yy — ſeveral other difficulties in the
beginn e year 869. (6) SS. Cyril and Metho-
— had. laboured in the eee of the Bulgarians,
though jointly with ſeveral other prieſts not only Greeks,
hut alſo: Armenians : concerning whoſe different rites of
dſciphoe-the Bulgarians conſulted pope Nicholas I. as
he-teſtifies/in his anſwer. Our two ſaints paſſed from
this-cpunitry into Moravia, ſo called from a river of that
name RA j aj Wits
The farſt mention of the Moravians we find made in
$25,” by pope Eugenius II. in an epiſtle to the biſhop'of
Famana'(7) now called Vienna, ancientiy Vindobona, in
which he appoints the archbiſhop of Lore (which ſee was
Ince removed to Saltzburg) vicar of the apoſtolic ſee in
that nation.” The Moravians and Carinthians were Scla-
yonian nations which had ſeized on theſe countries.
The latter were governed by dukes; the former by
kings, having firſt choſen Samo, a Frenchman from
Senogagus, a country near Bruſſels, who had valiantly
defended them againſt the Avares or Hunns of Pan-
noma, in 622. The moſt powerful of theſe kings was
dwetopelech, whoſe kingdom extended to Pomerania,
in the end of the ſeventh age, according to Aſſemani.
Two cantending dukes Moymar and Priwing or Prin-
nana ruled in Moravia in 850, though this country had
deen certainly ſubject to Charlemaghe, no leſs than Ba-
varia, and Pannonia, as Eginhard relates. Moymar be-
ing lain, Raſtices his nephew. received the crown of
Moravia from Lewis king of Germany in 846. He is
by Henſchenius called alfo Suegogi , but falſely, as
Aſſemani proves from the annals. of Fulda. This pious
prince invited the two miſſionaries into Moravia, and
vas baptized by them with a conſiderable part of his
(0) See . nſa ad Conſulta Bulgarorum, Conc. T. 7: p. 154.
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292 88. CY RI L, &. CC.
chriſtianity by the example of the Bavarians whom St.
Robert, biſnop of Worms, and founder of the arch-
.biſhopric of Saltzburg, had begun to convert to the
Haith. Raſtices dying his nephew and ſucceſſor Swado-
-pluch perſecuted the church. Auguſtine, in his cata-
of che biſhops of Olmutz (8) and Dubravius, (q
ſay St. Cyril was ordained firſt arehbiſhop of the Mora-
vans. (c) This latter relates that Boriway, or Borivo-
rius, duke of Bohemia, was converted by hearing Cy-
:1jl and Methodius preach the faith, and being baptized
by the latter, he called him into Bohemia, where his wife
Ladmilla, his children, and a great part of his people
received the ſacrament of regeneration, which, accord-
ing io Coſmas of Prague in his Chronicle, happened in
894. St. Methodius founded at Frog the church of
ou Lady; another of SS. Peter and Paul, and many
others over the kingdom. (a4) The two brothers Cyril
Nr TOE 5918 (50 eee 1 27 HA2
4.858) Inter, rerum | Bohemic. Scriptores. Hannoviæ, 1602.
— (9) Hiſt, Bohemicz, 1. 4. W022. 8
(e) Moravia derives its name from the river Mahar, which croſſ-
ing this country falls into the Danube near Poſon, and, gave the de-
nomination of Mahar Sclavonians to thoſe Scla vonians who ſettled in
this province, conquered by Charlemagne, under whoſe ſucceſſors ſe-
veral princes governed it. Bohemia took its name Beheim from -the
Boii, and retained it after the Marcomanni had expelled them, as Ta-
citus obſerves ; alſo after a tribe of Sclavonians had lled the lat-
ter, 1 ne's troops ſubdued it in 805.
p. 37. The Boii paſſed into 'Boiaria, called in the country Bayer, in
modern Latin Bavaria, ib. p. 45. Poland, called from Pole, a plain
or open country, then not reaching beyond the Viſtula, was con-
quered by Otho I. was ſubject to Otho III. S. Henry II. &c. be-
came independent under elective dukes. A tribe of Scla vonians in-
vaded it: but a very different language which has ſeyeral words de-
rived” from the Latin, reigns in Lithuania, Samogitia and Pruſſa,
which points ouſ a nation of a different original.
(4) The Slavi, according to Kohlius, Kulcinius, Hofman, and
Joſ. Aſſemani, took their name from theic military atchievements or
glory, Slava, in their language ſignifying glory. Whence are de-
ived the names Winceſlas, Staniſlas, Lal . This was 2 mo-
dern name of a Sarmatian people ho dwelt from the Sarmatian ſea
to the Palus Mzotis, and were in ſome kind of ſubjection to the
Hunns or Tartars. A numerous troop of thoſe Slayi ſwarming a
nd expelling the Vandals, 5
fell upon the north of Germany,
—
Dec. 23.
ſubjects, who: had been inclined to think favourably of
ee DAnville,
„
2c. 23. Ne. 2. 88. CYRIL, &c. CC: 293
bly of N nd Methodius are ſtyled biſhops of the Moravians int
m St. Muſcovite calendats, and in the Roman martyrology.
arch- But in the Poliſh breviary and other monuments it is
o the Wi £4 that Cyril died a monk, and that only Methodius
wado- was conſecrated archbiſhop after his brother's death.
Sata. Wi And their ſecond life publiſhed by Henſchenius, ſays
as, (9) expreſsly that the two brothers being called by pope
* Nicholas to Rome, upon their arrival found him dead,
orro- and Adrian II. pope: - that Cyril put on the monaſtic
hep habit, and died ſoon after in that city, before he
is wife | tonic or German nativa, &c. ſettled themſelves in Pomerania, now
people Brandenburg, &c. Another numerous colony ſeized on Illyricum,
ccord- fubduing there the Goths a German people, and Hunns, about the
ied in tine when Juſtinian filled the imperial throne, as Conſtantine Por-
enetta, Procopius, &c. teſtify, Salona, the capital of Dalma-
ch of E der deſtro E new 2 araſe which di * the pre-
many eminence, Raguſa and Spalatum ; the latter of which ſprung and took
3 Cynl its name from the palace of Diocleſian built there. (See Jof. Aſſe-
2 mani, I. 3. p. 309. Bundurius in the hiſtory of his own country,
ve Raguſa'; and John Lucius, l. de regno Dalmatiæ et Croatiz.) The
>. dri alſo acquired new ſettlements in Poland and Bohemia, as the
Wa ifnity of the languages of thoſe. countries, demonſtrates. ' Helmol-
h croſſ- dus, in his Chronicon Slavorum, (c. 1.) ſays: The Danes and
the de- wenones or Swedes whom we call Northmanni, inhabit the northern
ettled in eaſt of the (Baltic) ſea. But the Southern-codfk is Feste the
ſſors ſe- duri, among whom the firſt towards the eaſt are the , then the
om the foloni who- have on the perth the Pruxi, on; the ſouth the Boemi,
2
Aoville, a and Sarmatia: but ſtrangers in Germany, Poland, Bohemia,
ayer, in Pannonia, Dalmatia and Illyricum. (See his A e Slayorym, T.
a plain 2. & 3.) The Patzinacitz were alſo Sclavonians by extraction, who
en pouring down upon the borders of the empire made themſelves maſ-
&c. be- ters of part of the ancient Dacia, where they were often trouble-
ans in- fone to the Roman and Greek emperors till they were ſubdued by
ords de- John Comnenus.' Their name was by the Greeks. ſoftened into Ula-
Pruſſia, bl, at preſent, Valachi. (See Lucius de regno Dalmatiz et Croatiæ,
| e. 5. Allatius, &c.) Mapy derive 5 |
an, and li; becauſe in Valachia and Moldavia the language is a corrupted
ments 07 Litin like the modern Italian ; forthis people d
294 SS. CYRIL, &c. Cc. Der. 22;
received the "epiſcopal conſecration. And pope John
VIII. in 879, wrote as follows to the Moravians.
Methodius your archbiſhop ordained by our pre-
deceſſor Adrian, and ſent to you,” &c. Whereas
he calls Cyril only the philoſopher, of whom he writes
to count Sfentopulk, The Slavonian letters or alpha-
bet invented by Conſtantine the philoſopher, that the
praiſes of God may be ſung, we juſtly commend.” (10)
From this teſtimony of Joba VIII. and the ancient
lives of St. Cyril it is evident that the Slavonian alpha-
bet was invented, not by St. Jerom, but by thoſe two
apoſtles of that nation: (11) which is alſo related by an
ancient author who wrote in 878, publiſhed by Freher,
(12) Cyril and Methodius tranſlated. the liturgy into
the Slavonian tongue, and inſtituted maſs to be {aid in
the lame. The archbiſhop of Saltzburg, and the arch-
biſhop of Mentz, joiptly' with their ſuffragans, wrote two
letters, ſtill extant, to pope . VII. to complain of
this novelty introduced by archbiſhap Methodius
1 pope in 878, by two letters, dne addreſſ-
ed to Tuvantarus, count of Moravia, and the other to
Methodius, whom. he ſtyles archbiſhop of Pannonia,
cited the latter to come to Rome, forbidding him in the
mean time to fay maſs in a barbarous tongue, Metho-
dius obeyed, and ' repairing to Rome ve ample fatis-
faction to the pope, who confirmed to fim the privileges
of the archiepiſcopal ſee of the Moravians, declared tum
exempt from all dependence on the archbiſhop of Salt
burg, and approved for the Slavonians the uſe of the li-
bus and breviary in their own tongue as he teſtifies in
his letter to count Sfendopulk till extant. (13) It is
clear from the letters of pope John, and from the tuo
lives of this faint, that this affair had never been dif
_ cuſſed either by Pope Nicholas or pope Adrian, as Bons
and ſome others have miſtaken, The Sclavonian tongue
(ic) p. 194. ad Tarantarum. (11) Ep. 247. ad Sfentopul-
ehrum . — (12) Inter SEN ch fn, mic. See De
wor. T. 3. p. 173. & Joan.
pulchrum Comitem Moraviæ.
©. 22,
John
wians.
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Bec. 22 $8. CYRIL, fc. CC. 299
s to this day uſed in the liturgy in that church. The
Sclavonian miſſal was reviſed by an order of Urban
Vill. in 1631, and his brief and approbation.are prefix-
ed to this miſſal printed at Rome in 1743, at the ex-
pence of the Congregation De Propaganda Fide. By
the fame congregation in 1668, was printed at Rome
by order of Innocent XI. the Sclavonian breviary with
the brief of Innocent X. prefixed, by which it is ap-,
proved and enjoined, (e) The Sclavonians celebrate the
(e) The Sclavonian tongue is oe mol extenſive of any extant,
except the Arabic. The Goths and Vandals were bottr Teutonic or
German nations, though originally fettled in the countries beyond
the Baltic. Sclayonians have been only confounded with the Van-
dals; becauſe they expelled that nation from ſeyeral countries which
they had canquered, and fettled themſelves in them. The Sclavoni-
m were on the contrary of a different original, from Sarmatia on
the coaſts of the Sarmatian ſea and the Sinus Codanus or ſtreights of
the Sund and Belt in Denmark ta the 'Taurica Cherſoneſus. For the
Fianj or Vinni in Finland, and the Venedi or Vendi, who expelling
the Vandals inhabited the coaſt of Pometaniz as far as Cimbtica
Cherſonefus, were Sclavenſans fram Sarmatia, © Thefe latter changed
the German, i. e. the Vandatic; names of places, to Tybſtitute others
of their own Sarmatian language, as Lübeck, Roftock, Wiſmar,
9 Ke. In like manner when they reached Illyticum, they
baniſhed the Latin names of rhe towns Segeſte, Delminium, Salone,
omona, Terponum, Metytium, Kc. to give” others of thejr own,
Had, luz, Camenigrad, Bielograd, Norigrad, Cremen, &c.
in the riyers Naro and Jaum, which they called Reka and De-
ence it is manifeſt that they were ſtrangers, not original
inhabitants in Illyricum and Scla vonia. In St. Jerom's time Latin was
he comman language in Dalmatia and Illyricum: and this that father
endently means when he ſpeaks of his own tongue. |
e Patzinacites were a nation of the Venedi and Selayonians, io
took their game from the city of Poſnania in Poland, as Leun-Cla-
dus tells us: Ihey were fituate between the Volga and Circaflia,
About the year 800, the Uzes and Magdiars from the coaſt of the
Caſpian ſea about Uſbeck, and the Cazares from Taurica Cherfoneſns,
al originally Turks or Hunns from Great Tartary or Aſiatie Scythiz,
More out the, Patzinacitz wha fled between the Nieper and the nn,
ind as far as the Danube, and penetrated into Walachia, Moldayid
ad exen Moravia ; ſome time after Boſnia became their laſt aſylum,
clled from them by changing F into B: in which province the lan-
lunge is a diale of the Aaron 'The Uzes and Magdiars ſuc-
ceded them in Moldavia and Walachia, and penetrated into Tran-
ſflvania and Hungary. The Uzes are the Houffards at this day.
The Bulgarians from the coalt of the Caſpian ſea founded Great
Play on the banks of the Volga, from which river, or their capi-
ta]
296 388. Cr NIL ae CC: Dec, 22
liturgy in this tongue at Leghorn, Aquileia, and in other
ts of Italy, 46 7 1-5: |
,*- 143 «<1 -
e Rome: he hed
much to. ſuffer, from. the invective and oppoſition of ſome
tal city Bulgar near its banks, their name is derived. They ſeized on
Scythia Pontica, (ſeparated by Conſtantine the Great,) the ſecond or
Oriental Mafia. near the Euxine ſea. Upper Mœſia reached on the
ſouth banks of the Danube to the conflux of the Save; and Dacia
compriſed the northern bank of the Danube from the Euxine fea,
now Moldavia, Walachia and Tranſylvania. Aurelian gave to the
Daci alſo a territory on the ſouth. of the Danube, between the two
Mœſias. Theſe extended ſouthwards to Mount-Hzmus and Roma-
nia, n the Thracian provinces of Europa, Hzmi Mons
and the coaſt of the Propontis to the iſle of Samothrace, The Bul-
garians, who were Aftatic Scythians, took up the Sclavonian language
in Sarmatia. 'The.Servii were part of the Bulgarians who inhabited
the country from the Save to Niſſa on the confines of Bulgaria. This
name was given them becauſe ſoon after their firſt ſettlement they be-
came ſubje& to the Greek emperors. Bulgary was only conquered
by the emperor Baſil in 1017, and again recovered its liberty, A-
murath,l, and Bajazet ſubjected it to the, Turkiſh empire, Nico-
polis near Lanes wo by its ancient capital ; Sophia now enjoys
that dignity ; ag of Servia Belgrade, i. e. in the Sclavonian language
Bel Calle "Before e Romans diſtinguiſhed Dacia and'Meaſia, theſe
countries about the Danube were called European Scythia, having
been inhabited from Great Scythia in Aſia, which Juſtin originally
' confined to the country between the Caſpian and Euxine ſeas, from
the Riphæan mountains to the river Halys, though the name was
_ ſoon * extended to all Great Tartary, Among theſe Scythians the
Getz. inhabited the north bank of the Danube near the Euxine fea,
now Befſarabia:_ | |
The Sclayonian tongue is uſed in the liturgy by the churches of
Dalmatia and Illyricum who follow the Latin rite ; and by thoſe of
"the Ruſſians,” 1 and Bulgarians who follow the Greek nite.
And by this the Ruſſian and Sclavonian rites are diſtinguiſhed, The
uſe of the Sclavonian lan age in the liturgy and office of the church is
' approved in the Spwod of amoſci in 1720, under Clement XI. con-
firmed by Innocent XIII. and by Benedict XIV. Inter Plures. Conſt.
98. data an 1744. in bis Bullary. (T. 1. p. 376.) The ſacred uſe
of that tongue both in thoſe Sclavonian churches which follow the
Greek, and. in thoſe which, follow the Latin rite was 82 by
John VIII. Urban VIII. Innocent X. and by Benedict XIV. Conft.
66. Ee dub itare non poſſumus. An, 1942, in his Buliar. (T. 1. P-
217.) Whence in Moravia, Dalmatia und Illyricum, in ſome places
maſs and the divine offices are celebrated in the Sclavonian tongue
in others in Latin, but in ſeveral of theſe after the goſpe! has been
read in Latin, it is again read. to the people in a Sclavonian tranfla-
tion. (See Jol Aſſemani Præf. ig T. 4. comm, in Kalendaria 17
in the
but thi
Morav!
ceſs of
thinty |
tongue
the lea
divinis
(Obſer
who ad
*
ec, 22, Dec. 22. 88. CY RI L, &. CC. 297
other neighbouring biſhop, perhaps of Paſſau or Saltzbürg in
gle! Bavaria. For St. Rodbert or Rupert, biſhop of Worms;
he had in 699, had converted the Boy or Baivarij, and having
f ſome TY: a eee 8 = | - ala
T. 4. part 2. c. 4. p: 4416.) Pope Benedict XIV. confirms this
eized on approbation of the Slavonian liturgy. Conſt, Ex paſtorali munere.
econd or Anno 1954. As he had before confirmed the ule of the Greek
| on the tongue in the lirurgy and divine offices to the Italian Greeks, and
d Dacia Greek Melchites. Conſt- 57. Er / Paſteralis, and Conſt. 87. De-
xine ſea, nondatum cœlitus, in his Bullary. (T. 1. p. 167, and 290.) A ſy-
> to the nod held at Spalatro, under John the archbiſhop of Salona,- (which
the two ſee was ſoon after tranſlated to Spalatro) and Maynard, the pope's
d Roma- legate, about the year 1070, forbid the ule of the Slayonian tongue
mi Mons in the divine office, which + decree was confirmed by Alexander II.
he Bul- but this muſt be reſtrained to the churehes lying toward Poland and
language Moravia, or it was never carried into execution. Even in the dio-
nhabited ces of Spalatro itſelf ten chapters and collegiate churches, beſides
ia. This thirty pariſhes, celebrate maſs and the divine office in the Slavonian
they be. tongue, as we ate aſſured by Orbinus, (n. 32.) quoted by Caraman,
onquered the learned archbiſhop of Jadra, Diſſ. De Lingus Slavici literali in
rty. & divinis celebrandis, (n. 32.) The ſame is teſtified by Robert Sala.
Nico- (Obſervationes ad card. Bona Rer. Liturg. I. 1. c. 9. $ 4. p. 152.)
w enjoys who adds that in the aforeſaid dioceſs only eight pariſhes uſe the La-
language tin tongue in the church. Pope Gregory VII. forbid the uſe of the
ſia, theſe Aavonian tongue in the maſs, but to the Bohemians (I. 7. ep. 2.
z, having ad Uratilaum Bohemiz Ducem). The grant of John VIII. for the
originally lacred uſe of this tongue was obtained by St. Methodius after the
eas, from death of his brother Cyril, and was never extended to Poland and
name was Bohemia, Whence it was prohibited when ſome began to intro-
thians the duce it there, probably Moravian prieſts whoſe kingdom was ex-
uxine ſea, tibgmſffſed by the Turks, that is, Hungarians in the tenth age, as
Conſtantine Porphyrogenetta relates. - 03.8454
urches of Wl Cardinal Bona, among other miſtakes on this head, calls this Sla-
thoſe of vonian the Hyrican tongue. (Liturg. I. 1. Cc. 9. F 4.) © Whereas
Ireek nite. this name can only be given to the modern dialect of the Sla vonian
ed, The now in uſe in that country. The Slavonian which is allowed in the
church is Iturgy, is the ancient Slavonian, mother of the modern dialects,
XI. con- and called the Sla vonian language of the ſchools or of the learned.
ldiomate, quod nunc Slavum literale appellant; ſays: Benedict XIV.
ſacred uſe which Urban VIII. and Innocent X. &. alſo - expreſs. - Caraman,
follow the afterward - archbiſhop of Jadra, reviſed the breviary and miſſa}-of
522 by this rite, printed at Rome in 1741, according to the rules of the
V. Conf. ancient Sclavonian tongue, of which a dictionary is extant for tlie
(T. 1. p. ule of their clergy, called Azbuquidarium, that is, Abecedarium.
ome places There is alſo a grammar of the ſame compoſed by Smotriſki, a Ruſ-
n tongue fan Baſilian monk, printed at Vilna in 1619, and at Moſcow in 1725,
| has been *. How much the ancient Sla vonian, or that of the Litterati,
an tranſl Uſfers from all the modern dialects derived from it, appears from
þris Ur {pcrimens of them exhibited from the different tranſiatiors phake
T Bi "4 "= * 588
-
298 $.CYRIL, Ke. CC. Dec. 24,
eſtabliſhed the archbiſhopric of Juva or Saltzburg, re-
turned to Worms, and there St. Rupert's ſucceſſors,
Bible given by Le Long, (Bibl. Sacra, T. 1. art. 6. ſect. i, ii, iii, iy,
v. p. 435, &c.) and of the Lord's prayer given in thirteen dialects of
Slavonian tongue, (ibid.) and in Reland, (ad calcem Partis iii,
diff. Miſcell.)
_- The learned card. Staniflas Hoſius, biſhop of Warmia in Poland,
(Dial. De Sacro Veruacule Legendo) obſerves, that though the
Bohemians, Maravians, Poles, Muſcovites, Ruſſians, Boſnians, Ser-
vians,: Croatians, Bulgarians, and ſome other nations uſe the Slayo-
nian tongue, (which is extended through one quarter of Europe,)
yet theſe dialects differ ſo much that a Pole underſtands no more of
the language of a Dalmatian, than an High Cerman or a native of
Switzerland underſtands the Low Dutch. This author thinks the
Slayonian the moſt extenſive of all languages; but the Arabic reach-
es much farther, being uſed not only by the Chriſtians who. inhabit
Arabia, Syria and Egypt, but alſo by the Mahometans in Aſia, A-
frica, and a conſiderable part of Europe. The church to prevent the
frequent changes to which the modern languages are ſubject, allows
in her office only the Chaldaic or modern Hebrew, which is the ancient
h
facred language ; the Greek, the language of the 22 and all
the Oriental Schools; Latin, the language of the learned in the
Weſt; and the Slavonien. Herbinius (de Religioſis Kiovienſibus
Chryptis) contends that it is 2 primitive lan 7 being the mother
of the ſian, Muſcovite, Poliſh, Vandalte, ohemian, Croatian,
Dalmatian, Valachian and Bulgarian. It is eſteemed that it holds «
middle place between the Hebrew and other Oriental languages, and
thoſe in the Weſt ; and it ſuits all climates. Some add, that it
ſeems molt adapted of all others to be made an univerſal language.
Some have attributed the Slavonian alphabet and tranſlation of the
bible to St. Jerom : but erroneouſly, For the Latin was in his time
the language. of that country; and this St. Jerom calls his tranſlation
imo his own tongue, as Banduri (Animady. in Conſtant. Porphyrog,
de adminiſt. imper, p. 147.) takes notice. The Slavonian letters
have no. affinity with the Gothic: but were invented by 88. C
and Methodius, who derived them from the large Greek alph
The Slavonians have another alphabet of ſmaller characters for
common. ule; particularly in eſteem in Dalmatia, Carniola and Iſtria;
alſo a third alphabet almoſt wholly different, which they ſeem to ha ve
borrawed from the Crogtians god Servians. This lait is falſely a
cribed to dt. Jerom, (See Cohlij Introductio in Hiſtoriam Slavorum:
Joſ Aſſemani, l. 4.) Of all the Slavonian dialects the Poliſh has
deen moſt cyltjivated, The Lithuaniaus are of a very different ex-
traction, as their language which is a dialcct of the Sarmatian, de-
monſtrates. | m | |
N. B. The particle Ai, ending Poliſh names, ſignifies of, and eot-
reſponds to the French De, the German Yon, the Dutch Van. Hence
count Jablonſti,, is count of Fablen ; Stredetwfti, of Stredew ;. and
0 add of or de, as is done by tome, is a ſoleeiſi.
Overco
naſtic
ec. 22
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deſſors,
lit, ir,
aleQts of
Poland,
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na, 88. CVI 1, 8. ec. 269
epecially St. Virgilius, converted the Carinthians who
were alſo Sclavonians, (14) and their ſucceſſors com-
gained of the erection of the archbiſhopric of Moravia
4s a curtailing of their ancient juriſdiction. But pope
fohn VIII. ſupported the exemption of the Pena
of Moravia, and juſtified the conduct of St. Methodius.
Hearing of the perſecution he met with from the neigh-
touring biſhops, he wrote to him in 88 1, congratulating
with him upon the ſucceſs of his labours and the purity
of his faith, tenderly exhorting him to patience, and to
overcome evil witk good, and promiſing to ſupport him
in his dignity, and in all his undertakings for the honour
of God. (15) St. Methodius planted the faith with ſuch
ſucceſs that the nations which he cultivated with his la-
bours became models of fervour and zeal. Boigoris or
Michael,” the firſt chriſtian king of Bulgaria, renounced
his crown about the year 880, and putting on the mo-
raſtic habit led an angelical life on earth. Stredowſki,
in his Sacra Moravie Hiſtoria, ſtyles SS. Cyril and Me-
thodius the apoſtles of Moravia, Upper Bohemia, Sile-
ſa, Caxaria, Croatia, Circaſſia, Bulgaria, Boſnia, Ruſ-
ſa, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Dacia, Carinthia, Carniola,
ind of almoſt all the Sclavonian nations. St. Metho-
dius lived to an advanced old age, though the year of
bis death is not certain. The Greeks and Muſcovites
honour St. Cyril on the 14th of February ;, and St. Me-
thodins on the 11th of May. The Roman martyrology
joins them both together on the gth of March. Dubra-
vius and others attribute to them many miracles ; which
Baronius alſo mentions in his notes on the Roman mar-
rology. He adds that the relicks of theſe two bro-
thers were lately found under the altar of a very ancis
ent chapel in the church of Sr. Clement in Rome, and
are ſtill honourably preſerved in that church. Octavius
Pancitoli, in Theſauris abſconditis Almæ Urbis, and
8 6 3
(14) See Hanſiz. German. Sacra, T. . p. 15. Alfo Hiſtoria
averhonis Baivariorum et Carantanorum Slavorym, publiſhed by
Caniſius, T. 2. & Du Cheſne Seript, Franc. T. 3. See likewiſe the
lives of St, Rupert, and the firſt archbiſhaps of Salzburg, .
4 by Canlſius, in his Lectiones Antiquæ. (15) John VII ep,
268. ad Meth, archiep. | 3
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Henſchenius ſay the ſame; but the latter ſnews that
ſome ſmall portions have been tranſlated into Moravia,
and are enſhrined in the collegiate church at Brune.
See the two lives of SS. Cyril and Methodius publiſhed
by Henſchenius ad diem 9 Marty. See alſo Kohlius in
iſtoria Codicis ſacri Sclavonici, and in his Introductio
in Hiſtoriam et Rem literariam Slavorum. Altonaviæ,
1729. Alſo at length Stredowſki, in Sacra Moraviæ
Hiſtoria, Kulcynzki, Specimen Eccl. Ruthenicæ, 1733.
D E C E M BE E R XXII
S t. SERVULUS, C.
From St. Gregory, "Hom. 18. in Evangel. and Dial. 1, 5 c. 14. |
Ap | | A. D. 590." 4 l
IN this faint was exemplified what our divine Re-
deemer has taught us of Lazarus, the poor man full of
ſores, who lay before the gate of the rich man's houſe.
Servulus was a beggar, and had been afflicted with the
palſy from his _ infancy; ſo that he was never able to
ſtand, ſit upright, lift his hand to his mouth, or turn
himſelf from one ſide to another. His mother and bro-
ther carried him into the porch of St. Clement's church
at Rome, where he lived on the alms of thoſe that
aſſed by. Whateyer he could ſpare from his own ſub-
ſtence he diſtributed among other needy perſons. The
ſufferings and humiliation of his condition were a means
of which he made the moſt excellent uſe for the ſancli-
fication of his own ſoul, by... the, conſtant exerciſe of
humility, patience, meekneſs, reſignation, and penance.
He uſed to intreat devout perſons to read the holy ſcnp-
tures, and he heard them with ſuch attention, as to learn
them by heart. His time he conſecrated by aſſiduoully
ſinging hymns, of praiſe and thankſgiving to God, and
his continual pains were fo far from dejecting or dif-
tracting him, that they proved a moſt preſſing motive
for raiſing his mind to God with greater ardour, After
ſeveral years thus ſpent, his diſtemper having ſeized his
c. 23.
that
ravia,
Brune.
liſhed
ius in
ductio
naviæ,
braviæ
1733.
ſancti-
dee. a3 Ten MART IRS of Crete. 301
itals, he perceived. his end to draw near. In his laſt
moments he deſired the poor and pilgrims, who had often
ſhared in his charity, to ſing ſacred hymns and pſalms
by him. Whilſt he joined his voice with theirs, he on
1 ſudden cried out: Silence ! Do you not hear the
ſweet. melody, and praiſes which reſound in the hea-
vens! Soon after he had ſpoke thoſe words he expired,
and his ſoul was carried by angels into everlaſting bliſs,
about the year 890. The body of St. Servulus was bu-
ned in St. Clement's church, and honoured with mira-
des, according to the Roman martyrology.
St. Gregory the Great concludes the account he gives
of him in a ſermon to his people, by obſerving that,
the whole behaviour of this poor fick beggar loudly con-
dmns thoſe who, when bleſſed with good health and a
plentiful fortune, neither do good works, nor ſuffer the
aſt croſs with tolerable patience.
* On THE Same Day.
Ten Max r VRS of Crete. Upon the publication of
the edict for perſecuring the Chriſtians under Decius,
by the activity of a barbarous governor in ſeeing it ri-
porouſly executed, the. fle of Crete, now called Can-
dia, ſoon became one large field of blood. Among the
martyrs who there triumphed over the world, the devil,
ind fin, none were more conſpicuous than Theodulus,
Murninus, Euporus, Gelaſius, Eunicianus, Zoticus,
Ceomenes, Agathopus, Baſilides, and Evareſtus, com-
monly called the Ten Martyrs of Crete The three firſt
vere. citizens of Gortyna, the lis, where they
had probably been grounded in the faith by St. Cyril,
biſhop of that: city, who was beheaded: for the faith in
the ſame perſecution, and is honoured” in the Roman
martyrology on the gth of July. The reſt were brought
from other towns'of the ſame iſland; Zoticus (called by
bme Zeticus) from Gnoſſus, Pontius from Epinium,
Agathopus from Panormus, Baſilides from Cydonia, and
Erareſtus from Heracleum. Their zeal had united them
n their confeſſion of Chriſt; they were apprehended, -
nlulted,. dragged on the ground, beaten, ſtoned, co-
ered with phlegm and ſpiitle, and at length preſented” -
202 Ten) MARTYRS/of Crete, Dec. 2,
to the governor of the iſland at Gortyna, and the 23d
of December was appointed for their trial. As ſoon as
they appeared in court, they were ordered to ſacrifice
to Jupiter, who was particularly- worſhipped in Crete,
and on that very day their countrymen celebrated a fef-
tival in his honour with all mannet of pleaſures, diverſi-
ons, and ſacrifices. The martyrs anſwered, they could
never offer ſacrifice to idols. The:prefident aid: * You
ſhalt know the power of the great gods. Neither do you
ſhew reſpect to this illuſtrious aſſembly, which adores
the great Jupiter, Juno, Rhea, - nd the reſt,” The
martyrs replied: Mention not Jupiter, O preſident;
nor lis mother Rhea. We are no ſtrangers to his pedi-
grer, or to the hiſtory of his life and actions. We can
ſhew you his grave: he was a native of this iſland, the
tyrant of his country, and a man abandoned to every
kind of luſt, even with his own ſex: with theſe erimes
he defiled himſelf every hour, and made uſe of ſpell;
and inchantments to debauch others. Thoſe who look
upon him as a god, muſt look upon it as a divine thing
to imitate his luſt and intemperance. 2
The proconſul not being able to deny or confute what
they alleged, ſwelled with rage, and the people were
ready to tear them to pieces upon the ſpot, if he had not
reſtrained them, and commanded the martyrs to be in-
humanly tormented ſeveral ways. Some of them ver
hoiſted on the rack, and torn with iron nails, ſo that the
ground underneath was covered with great morſels of
their fleſh; others were pierced on their ſides, and m
almoſt every other part with ſharp' ſtones, reeds and
poimed ſticks :- others were beaten with heavy plum-
mets of lead with ſuch cruelty, that their very bones
were in ſome parts broken, and in others disjointed, and
their fleſh was bruiſed and torn... The martyrs
all with joy, and often repeated to the outcries of the
judge and mob, who preſſed them to ſpare themſelve
by. obeying the prince, and ſacfiſicing to their gods
+ We are Chriſtians: were a thouſand deaths prepared
for us, we would receive them with joy.” The who
city thronged: about them, and many cried out to tr
judge againſt chem; ner did he ceaſe ſtirring up db
executioners to exert their whole ſtrength in tormenti
tem. The ſaints ſtood like meek lambs in the mid
of fo many raging tygers, and only raiſed their voices
to praiſe God, and declare their conſtant adherence to
his law. The proconſul at length ſeeing himſelf van-
huiſhed, condemned them to die by the ſword. The
ſoldiers of Chriſt went forth triumphant to the place of
execution without the city, praying to their laſt breath
that God would have tnercy on them, and on all man-
kind, and would deliver their countrymen from the
blindneſs of ſpiritual ignorance, and bring them to ſee
him in his true light. They were ambitious who ſhould
firſt receive his crown. When their heads were ſtruck
off, and the crouds retired, certain Chriſtians interred
their bodies, which were afterward conveyed. to Rome.
The fathers who compoſed the council of Crete in 558,
writing to the emperor Leo, ſay, that through the inter-
cefſion of theſe holy martyrs, their iſland had been till
that time preſerved from. hereſy, The Greeks, Lating,
and Muſcovites commemorate them on this day. See
their Acts in Metaphraſtes, Surius, and Lipoman, men-
nw in Greek by Fabricius, T. 6. p. 520. See als
St. Victoria, V. M. Victoria was a young noble
Roman lady, who being a Chriſtian, deſired: to live to
her heavenly ſpouſe alone in a ſtate of virginity. Eu-
genius, who ſought. her in marriage, was provoked at
meeting with a repulſe, and-accufed her to the judge, by
whoſe order, after many fruitleſs attempts to extort het
conſent to marry, or to ſacrifice to idols, ſhe was ſtab-
bed in the breaſt by an executioner; of which wound
lhe ſpeedily died, in 2 50, when the perſecution of De-
aus was hotteſt at Rome, See her Acts abridged by St.
Abele, and by Ado. ft) e. | :
p< | l TEES 218
” 2
| $7
— — - —— — — — — —
. 1404 _- ' * THRASILLA, &c, VV. Dec. 24,
2 St. Gregory the Great. had. three Aunts, who were
and were ſtil}-more-united; by ile fervour of their hearts,
things. Gordiana joined them in their vow and holy
the ſweetneſs that the moſt ten
vays worn out again, and after their death ſhe fell from
* niit aus 219561 na 07
DD E C E M B E R XX.
8s. THRASILLA and EMILIANA, vv.
From St. Gregory the Great, Dial. I. 4. c. 16. and Hom, 38.
ſiſters to his father Gordian the ſenator, and having by
vow conſecrated their virginity to God, they practiſed
the exerciſes" of an aſcetic or religious life in their fa-
ther's houſe. Their names were Fhraſilla, who was the
eldeſt, Emiliana; and Gordiana. Thraſilla and Emili
ana renouncing the vanities of the world on the ſame
day, ſtarted together in the glorious courſe to perfection,
and the bands of holy charity, than by blood. They
ved in their father's houſe as retired as in a monaſtery,
far removed from the converſation of men; and excit-
ing one another to virtue by diſcburſe and example, ſoon
made à conſiderable progreſt in a Ipititual life. They
were ſo diſengaged from the world, ſo careful: in morti-
lying their ſenſes, and maintaining a ſtrict union of their
als with God, that they Heemed. to have: forgot. their
bodies, and aroſe above all conſicerations of ;cartbly
exetciſes but flagged by the Way, and loving to con:
verſe with the world, by degrees. admitted it / into her
heart, {6 as to exclude the: Almighty.) Thraſilla and
Emiliana cvbld-not (ee-ber:unhappy-change-without the
deepeſt concerh; and tempering remonſtrances with al
| — and chanty
could inſpires gained ſa tat upon bet, that full of con-
fuſion ſhe promiſed amendment. This, however, ſb
executed only by halves, appeared often impatient of
ſilence and retirement, and ſhewed too little reliſh for
— exerciſes and converſation, and too much
the world. By this luke warmneſs, the good impreſſions
which the zeal of her ſiſters made in her mind, were al-
ec. 24,
IV.
om. 38,
o were
ng by
raCtiſed
er fa-
vas the
Emily
e ſame
ection,
hearts,
They
taſtery,
| excit-
le, ſoon
They
morti-
of their
bt. their
;eartbly
id holy
to CON?
nto her
lla and
Mut the
with al
chanly
of coſts
yer, ſue
tient of
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uch for
preſſions
were al-
ell from
Dec. 44. 88. THRASILLA, fc. VV. 30g
the duties of the ſtate which ſhe had voluntarily taken
upon . herſelf, A dreadful example! but ſuch as the
world is daily full of. Yet others neglect to take warn-
ing, and fo fall into the ſame ſnare. The beſt hearts
are capable of corruption; and thoſe who .ſet out with
honeſt meanings, when they once - open their hearts to
vanity and the world, are betrayed to tread the ſteps of
vice ſooner than they are aware. Nothing blinds the
underſtanding and intoxicates the ſoul more effectually
than vanity. A perſon who begins to entertain it, per-
ceives no harm in the firſt ſteps : but loſes reſervedneſs,
1s led on almoſt imperceptibly, and is at laſt ſurpriſed
to feel the chains which ſhe is held by. The two ha
py liſters who perſevered in the paths of eternal life,
enjoyed the ſweetneſs. of divine peace and love, and
the comfort and joy of fervour and devotion; and were
called to receive the recompence of their fidelity before
the fall of Gordiana. St. Gregory tells us, that Thra-
fla was favoured one night with a viſion of her uncle
dt. Felix, pope, who ſhewed her a ſeat prepared for
ber in heaven, ſaying: Come; I will receive you into
this habitation of light.” She fell ſick of a fever the
next day. When in her agony, with her eyes fixed on
beaven, | ſhe cried out to thoſe that were preſent : © De-
part! make room! Jeſus is coming! Soon after theſe
words ſhe breathed out her pious Sul into the hands of
God, on:the-24th of December. The ſkin of her knees
vere found to be hardened, like the hide of a camel,
by her continual prayer. A few days after, ſhe appear-
ed to her ſitter Emiliana, and invited her to celebrate
vith her the epiphany in eternal bliſs. Emiliana fell
lick, and died on the 8th of January. Both are named
— reſpective days of their death in the Roman mar-
O g 7. 2 WAS 65 5-8: n |
Precious in the fight of Cod is the death of bis ſaints.
) This is the great triumph of a ſoul over hell; a
le moſt glorious in the eyes of the whole court of
aven, giving joy to the angels. To us baniſhed pil-
"ms on earth nothing certainly can bring ſweeter com ·
ut amidſt our tears, or be a more powerful moti te to
: k 28 Pſ. cv; 1 „ 205 $7 .
Vol. XII. 1 hi
8 S GREGORY, M. De. 24
withdraw our affeqtions from the ways: of this world, or
to raiſe our hearts above its frowns, than ta have before
our eyes the happineſs of dying the:death of the faints.
No one can read without being ly affected with
theſe ſentiments the account which, Janus Erythræus,
Chat is, the elegant and ingenious John- Vidor Noſſi)
who was then at Rome, gives of the paſſage of brother
ck Baptiſt, a holy Capughin, out of tus world (2)
his humble friar, who was called in the world Alphan-
ſus III. when duke of Modena, renounced his ſave-
reignty, diveſted himſelf of all his worldly goods, and
embracing the moſt auſtere life of a Capuchin Francif-
can, in 1629, diſtinguiſhed himſelf from his. brethren
only by 4 greater fervour in bis penitential ſeverities
nd heavenly contemplation. He died at Rome in
1644 ; cloſing his eyes to the world: with ſo much inte-
riot Joy, ſuch ſtrong deſires to ge to God, ſuch humi-
lizy, reſignation, holy peace, and Gyeet: breatbings of
divine love, as to make many in the world envy the
choice he had made, and grudge that he had purchaſed
| 17 80 ag happinels,at ſo cheap a rate. Wa all pray
with Balaam that our death may be like that of the ſaints.
But for this we muſt make the preparation for death
the great, buſineſs. of our lives, learn perfectiy to die to
the world and ourſelves, and ground and daily improve
ourſelves in the ſpirit of the ſaints, which is that df
ſincere humility, Patience, reſignation, and the molt
ardent charity. |
On. Tur sau- Davy,
St. GB GOR of Spoleto, M. This martyr was
an holy prieſt at Spoleto, who empl his: time
night and day in faſting. and; prayer, and in teaching
others the holy law of God. It happened that Flaccus,
a general of the forces, arrived at. that city with a ſpe-
cial order from the emperor Maxitmian to puniſh all the
Chriſtians, An information was; laid before; him, tut
Gregory ſeduced many, and: contemned the, gods and
the emperors. Soldiers were immediately dif] a
Ming him bound before: his tribunal, When be *P
(2) Janus Nigius Erpthravs; cp. 63.
Dec. 4. 8. GREGORY, M, 307
peared, Flaccus with a ſtern countenance ſaid: Are
you Gregory of Spoleto ? The martyr anſwered : © I
am.“ Flaccus again ſaid:“ Are you the enemy of the
gods, and the eqntemner of the princes.” St. Gregory
replied: © From my infancy I have always ſerved the
God who framed me out of the earth.” Flaccus aſk-
ed: Who is your God?” “ He,” replied the mar-
tyr, who made man to his own, image and} likeneſs,
who is all-powerful and immortal, and who will render
to all men according to their works.“ Flaccus ſaid:
Do not uſe many words, but do what I command
you,” The martyr replied: “ I know not what your
command- implies, but I do what I am bound to do.”
Flaccus urged, © If you defire to fave” yourſelf, go to
the wonderful temple, and ſacrifice to the great gods;
ad you ſhall be our friend, and ſhall receive many fa-
vours ffom our moſt invincible emperors.” St. Gre-
— ſaid: I defire not ſuch a friendſhip, nor doll
nfice to devils, but to my God Jeſus Chrift.” The
judge commanded him to be buffeted on the face,
beaten with clubs, and tortured on the rack; and at
length ordered his head to be cut off. This happened
in 304. His relicks lie in a church which bears his name
# Spoleto. Baronius found in the cloſe of a copy of
theſe Acts an authentie teſtimony of a glorious miracle
vrought by their touch in 1037. See the Acts of his
Confeſſion in Baronius, Surius, &c. quoted by Tille-
mont, T. 5. p. 133. |
* +0
308 CHRISTMAS{DAY. Dee. 3g.
DE CREME E R xxv.
The NaTivity of CHRIST,
0 |
CHRISTMAS DAY.
T H E world had ſubſiſted about four thouſand years,
and all things were accompliſhed, which, according to
the ancient prophets, were to precede the coming of
the Meſſias, when Jeſus Chriſt the eternal Son of God,
having taken human fleſh in the womb of the Virgin
Mary, and being made man, was born of her for the
redemption of mankind. The all-wiſe and all-merci-
ful providence of God had, from the fall of our firſt
parents, gradually diſpoſed all things for the fulfilling of
his promiſes, and the accomplifhing the greateſt of all
his myſteries, the incarnation; of his divine Son. Had
man been xeſtored to grace as ſoon as he had forfeited it,
he would not have been ſufficiently ſenſible of the depth
of his horrible wounds, nor bave had a juſt feeling of
the ſpiritual blindneſs, weakneſs and — in
which he lay buried under the weight of his guilt. Nei-
ther would the infinite mercy, power and goodneſs of
God in faving him have appeared in ſo great luſtre.
Therefore man was ps ng his miſeries for the
ſpace of ſo many thouſand years, only enjoying a glimple
of his future redemption in the promiſe and expectation
of it; which ſtill was ſufficient to raiſe thoſe to it who
did not ſhut their eyes to this light. God always raiſed
ſeveral faithful ſervants, and even when moſt nations
from following the bent of their paſſions fell into the moſt
deplorable ſpiritual blindneſs, and abandoned his know.
ledge and true worſhip to transfer his honour to the baſeſt
of creatures and the moſt criminal objects, he reſerved
to himſelf a peculiar people, among which he was known
and ſerved, and many were ſaved through faith and hope
in this promiſed Redeemer, then to come. All this time
the faints never ceaſed with ſighs and tears to beg that
this Defired of all Nations (1) might N make his
appearance: and by theſe inflained deſires they both diſ-
poſed themſelves to receive the fruit of his redemption,
and moved God to haſten and moſt abundantly to pour
forth his mercy, FE Tia 3
God who with infinite wiſdom brings things to matu-
nty and perfection in their proper ſeaſon, diſcloſed this
to men partially and by degrees. He gave to Adam a
promiſe and ſome knowledge of it. (2) He rencwed
the ſame to Abraham, limiting it to his ſeed. (3) He
confirmed it to Iſaac and Jacob. (4) In the prophecy of
this latter it was fixed in the tribe of Judah. (5) It was
afterward clearly determined to belong to the poſterity
of David and Solomon; which was repeated in all the
ſucceeding prophets. In theſe all the particular circum-
ſtances of Chriſt's birth, life, death, and ſpiritual king-
dom in his church are expreſſed : the whole written law _
which was delivered to Moſes, conſiſted of types, ex-
preſſive of the ſame, or alluding to him. The nearer
the time approached the fuller was the revelation of him,
The prophecy of turning words into plough-/hares, and
lanres into pruning-books, (6) &c. expreſſed that a pro-
found peace in which the world ſhould be, was to be
an emblem of the appearance of the Prince of Peace,
Actording to the Pu og of Jacob (7) the ſcepter was
to be removed from the tribe of Judah, to ſhew. the
eſtabliſhment of the new ſpiritual kingdom of the Meſ-
fah, which is to endure to the end of the world. Ac-
cording to Aggæus (8) and Malachi (9) the, Meſſtah
was to appear whilſt the ſecond temple ſtood, which Was
that of Solomon reſtored/ after the captivity. Daniel.
's raiſed Wl foretold the four great empires which ſiicceeded one ari- x
nations other, the firſt of which were to be deſtroyed by the
he moſt i latter, viz, of the Medes, Perſians, Macedonians and
5 _ Romans, each marked by very diſtinguiſhing charac-
je Da | 2 e 607 1
reſetved (U) Aggaus fi. . (a) Gen. ill. 19. (6) a.
s known Ser. xvi, and xxviii. (5): Gen. Alix. 8. (6) Ia. i. 4.
nd hope b. ir. a. (7) Gen. lis, 8, 10. (8) Aggaus ii. 3
this time '9) Malachi iii. 1, 1 lt ns PE Ke
+]
OO OO — — — —— — - — — — _ — —
viour's birth, a great deliverer of mankind was firmly
cover the
30 CHRISTMAS DAY. Dec. 2
ters, (10) The ſeventy weeks of years predicted by
Daniel (11) detetmine the time of the coming of the
Meſſias, and of his death. For from the order of king
Artaxerxes Longimanus for the rebuilding of Jeruſalem
ſeven weeks were to pals in the execution of that work
in difficult times; and ſixty-two more, that is, with
theſe ſeven, ſixty- nine to the, manifeſtation of Chriſt
who was to be ſlain in the middle of the ſeventieth
week, and his death was to 'be followed by the deſtruc-
tion of the city and temple; it was to expiate iniquity,
to eſtabliſh the reign of eternal juſtice, and to accom-
pliſh the viſions and prophecies. . The Gentiles had alſo
received ſome glimmerings of this great event : as from
the prediction of, Balaam foretelling a ſtar to ariſe from
Jacob, (12) All over the Eaſt, at the time of our Sa-
expected, as the Pagan hiſtorians expreſsly affirm. Sue-
tonius (1 3) writes as follows: There had prevailed all
Eaſt an ancient and conſtant notion, that the
fates had decreed, that about that time there ſhould
come gut of Judea thoſe who ſhould obtain the empire
of the world.” And Tacitus ſays: (14) A firm per-
ſuaſion had prevailed, among a great. many, that it was
contained in the ancient Lene books, that about
this time it ſhould come to paſs, that the Eaſt ſhould
prevail, and that thoſe who ſhould. come out of Judes
ſhould obtain, the empire of the world. Joſephus, the
Wich hiſtorian, took occaſion from hence to flatter
Veſpaſian as if be bed been the e foretold by —
prophets, (15), and the great number of impoſtors w
9055 * haratter among the Jews in that and
the following century, is a clear proof of this belief
mongſt them about the time. (16) Hence -ſeveral
among them met with incredible ſucceſs for ſome time; ¶ unons
Kit) Hen. ii. 32, v, 20, viii. 3. See Rollin, or Mezengui, et.
cl 1 ) Bas. ix. 21, Ke See Nove Cadet 9. —
p- 500 (1a) Numb. xxiv. 17. (13) In Veſpaſ. (14) Teck. al
in Annal. (15] See the life of Joſephus. + (16) As 1
85 38. — Ant. I. 20. C. 2. & 6.4. 18, c. 1. Idem
Bello Jud. I. 5. g. 3. Kc. Read Diiſert. fur les Faux
the new Fr. Comment. I. 18. p. 21. ä 8
es, it
* *
Pe. 2. OHRYTSTMAS DAY. St
ctitatly Coziba, called Barcokebas, from Narboteba,
„gon of the Star,” who drew on the Jews their utter
destruction undet Adrian. (17)
When Jeſus Chtift was born, the ſeventy weeks of
Datel were near being accompliſhed, and the ſceptte
wis depatted from the houſe of Judah, whether we re-
ſttain this to that particular tribe, or underſtand it of
the whole Jewiſh nation, fo as to give a main ſhare only
w that tribe. For Herod, though a Jew by religion,
wis by birth an Idumean, as Joſephus, whoſe teſtimony
is unexceptionable, informs us, relating how his father
Autipas, who choſe rather to be called by the Greek
mme Antipater, was made by king Alexander Jannteus
vernor of his on country Idumea. Herod was raiſed
d the throne by the Romans, eveluding the princes of
the Aſmonean or Jewiſh royal fartfily, whom Herod en-
trely cut off; as he did alſo the principal members of
the Sanhedtim or great council by which that nation
gverned itſelf by its own laws under its kings. This
tant, moreover, tripped that people of all their other
vil rights. Soon after they were made a Roman pro-
nee; nor was it long before their temple was deſtroy-
al, and their whole nation diſperſed ; fo that the Jews
liethſelves are obliged to confefs that the time foterold
by the prophets for the coming of the Meſſias is lotig
nde elapſed; Chriſt was born at the time when the
Roman or fourth empite market by Daniel was exalted
o1ts zetith by Auguſtus, who reigned fifty-ſeven years
vm his firſt command of the army at nineteen years
cf age; and fortyHotr from the defeat of Antony ie
pither in the empire, in the battle of Actium. God
ud preordained the greatneſs of the Roman empire, for
li more eaſy propagation of the goſpel oyer ſo many
iliohs which formed one monarchy. Auguſtus had
hen ſettled it in peace. It was the cuſtom at Rome to
lat the gates of the temple of Janus only in time of a
general peace; which had happened but twice before
le reign of Auguſtus, and it happened three times un-
(17) Spartian in Adriand, c. 14. See Baſnage, Contin. de l Hiſt.
a Juifs, T. 2. p. 123. Alſo Annot. Joſephi de Voiſir. in two parts,
. Pugionis Fidei. Huet. Demonſt. Evang. Sc.
312 CHRISTMAS DAY. Dee. 25.
der it. Firſt, this temple was ſhut in the reign of Nu-
ma; a ſecond time, after the firft Punic war; but dur-
ng very ſhort intervals. Under Auguſtus it was ſhut
after his victory over Antony and Cleopatra: again up-
on his return from his war with the Cantabrians in Spain;
and thirdly, in the very year in which Chriſt was born,
when it remained ſhut during twelve years, the whole
empire enjoying all that time a profound peace. Chriſt
was born when Auguſtus was in the fortieth year of his
reign, the twenty-ninth from the battle of Actium,
about four thouſand years or a little more from the cre-
ation of the world, about two thouſand five hundred
from the flood, almoſt two thouſand from the vocation
of Abraham, and a little above one thouſand from the
foundation of the. temple by Solomon. A decree was
iſſued by Auguſtus, and publiſhed all over the Roman
empire, ordaining, that all perſons with their eſtates and
conditions, ſhould be regiſtered at certain places, ac-
cording to their reſpective provinces, cities and families.
It was the cuſtom at Rome to make a cenſus or regiſtra-
tion of all the citizens every five years, which term was
called a luſtrum. This general regiſter of all the ſub-
jects of the empire with the value of their eſtates was
probably ordered, that the ſtrength and riches of each
ovince might be known. It was made in Syria and
aleſtine by Cyrinus. Quintilius Varus was at that
time proconſul of Syria, on whom the procurator or go-
vernor of Judea in ſome meaſure depended, after it was
made a Roman province. Cyrinus ſucceeded Varus in
the government of Syria about ten years after Herod's
death, when his ſon Archelaus was baniſhed, and Judea
made a province of the empire. Cyrinus then made 2
ſecond, regiſter; but he made the firſt in the time of
Varus, in which he might act as extraordinary deputy,
at leaſt for Paleſtine, then governed by Herod : or this
enregiſtration is all attributed to him becauſe it was fi-
niſhed by him afterward... This decree was given by
the emperor for political views of ſtate : but proceeded
f-om an overruling order of Providence that, by this
moſt authentic public act, it might be manifeſt to the
whole world that Chriſt was deſcended of the houſe of
Dec. 25.
CHRISTMAS DAY: 313
David, and tribe of Juda. For thoſe of this family
were ordered to be regiſtered at Bethleem, a ſmall town
in the tribe of Juda, ſeven miles from Jeruſalem to the
ſouth-weſt. This was called David's town; and was
appointed the place where thoſe that belonged to his fa-
mily were to be enrolled; (18) Joſeph and Mary were
perhaps natives of this place, though they then lived at
Nazareth, ninety miles almoſt north from Jeruſalem.
Micheas had foretold (19) that Bethleem (called by the
jebuſites who firſt built it? Ephrata) ſhould be ennobled
by the birth of Chriſt. Mary therefore, though with
child, by the ſpecial direction of providence undertook
this tedious journey with her huſband in obedience to -
the emperor's order for their enrollment in that city;
and it is believed that with St. Joſeph alſo Mary and her
infant Jeſus were enrolled ; of which Origen, (20) St.
Juſtin, (21) Tertullian (22) and St. Chryſoſtom (23)
make no doubt. All other characters or marks of the
Meſſias (a) mentioned by the prophets, agree to Jeſus
Chriſt. (24) | bad
To ſhew the divine Jeſus's deſcent from David and,
Juda, the evangeliſts St. Matthew and St. Luke give his
pedigree ; but deſignedly different, that this noted cha-
racter of the Meſſias might be demonſtrated by his dou-
ble geneal The reaſon of this difference was at
that time public and known to every one, and fo was
not mentioned. It ſeems moſt probable that St. Luke
gives the natural, and St. Matthew the legal line of 90.
leph, who had been adopted into the latter by the fre-
, (18) Luke ii, 1, 2, 3- (19) Mich. ii. 2. 5 Orig. hom.
u. in Luc. (21) St. Juſtin, Apol. i. ol. 2. (22) Tert. L. 4.
cont, Marcion. (23) St. Chryf. in Mat. hic. (24) See Cal-
met s Diſſ. fur les Characters du Meſſie, ſuivant les Juifs, at the head
of his comm. on St. Matthew. | |
- (a) The word Meſſab is derived from the Hebrew Maſbach, which
bes to ancint. In the Greek tongue Chrift or the Aminted. is
the interpretation of this name, The word is ſometimes applied to
3 and high prieſts who were anointed among the Hebrews ; as
' Kings (or Sam.) xii, 5, &c. Pf. civ, Heb. v. 15. but by way of
emineney it belonged to the ſovereign ſpiritual deliverer and Saviour
el mankind, fo often and ſo ſolemnly promiſed by God to his people.
*
Ps CHRISTMAS DAY. Der. 25.
quent taſte ſpeeified in the law of Mofes. St. Chryſol-
tom puts us in mind to take notiee of the aſtoniſhing
mercy and humility of dur divine Redeemer in this cir-
cumſtance that he did not diſdain, in order to fave fin-
nere, to chooſe a pedigree in which ſeveral notorious
ſinners are named: fo much did he humble himſelf to
ſatisfy for, and to cure our vanity and pride. The
ſame father „ reading the exordinm of St. Matthew's
goſpel, and of this fehr breaks dut into this vehe-
ment pathos. (25) What doſt thou ſay, O evange-
Ii ? Thou haſt promiſed to ſpeak of the only begotten
Son of God, and doft thou name David? . . Imagine
not that what you hear is low or trifling : but raiſe your
mind, and be filled with awe and aſtoniſhment, hearing
that God is come upon the earth. This was ſo ſtupen-
dous, ſo u ed a prodigy, that the angels aſſem-
bled in choir ſang praiſe and glory for the whole world,
and the prophets ſtood aſtoniſhed at the wonderful my{-
rery.”.. .. . Admire that the natural Son of God who is
without a beginning, would ſuffer himſelf to be called
the ſon of David, that he might make you the ſon of
God.“ The circumſtances of the great myſtery, and
the wonderful manner in which it was performed, ought
to-atrract our whole attention, and be the object of our
pious 1 and devotions, particularly on this
1 |
The Bleſſed Virgin and St. Joſeph, after a painful
j of at Jeaſt four days in a mountainous country,
ived at Bethleem. There they found the public ins
or e Cue as is. cuſtomary in towns in the
Faſt) already full; nor were they able to procure any
lodgings in the town, every one deſpiſing and rejecting
. their poverty. Do we ſpiritually invite Jeſus into our
| hearts, and prepare a lodging for his reception in our
affections ? This is the entertainment he is infinitely de-
ſirous of, and which he came from heaven to ſeek. By
ſpiritual nakednefs, coldneſs, ſloth or fin, a Chriſtian
ſoul refuſes him adtnittance. Of ſuch treatment he will
juſtly complain much more than of the people of Beth-
leem. Joſeph and Mary, in this diſtreſs, retired into a
(25) St. Chryſ. hom. 2. in Mat. T. 7. p. 21. ed. Ben.
4
cave made on the ſide of a rock, which is galled a ſtable;
becauſe it ſerved for that purpoſe, perhaps for the uſe of
thoſe who lodged at the caravanſeras. (b) It is a com-
mon tradition that an ox and an aſs. were in it at that
ume. ,, This circumſtance is not mentioned in holy
ſcripture, but is ſupported by the authority of St. Je-
) St. Jerom ſays this 958900 on the ſouth ſide of the city: St.
Juſtin, martyr, (Dial,) an Euſebius (Demonſt. Ex. 1. 2 c. 2.) tell
vs, it was without the city, in the fields, Caſaubon (Exercit. 2. in
Baron, p. 143.) and Krauſen, (Di. cui titulus: Chriſti locus nata-
ltivs in Tbeſauro Diſſ. in Nov. Teſtam. edit. 1932. T. 2.) alſo
ang the catholics Maldonatus (in Luc. c. 2.) and Drexelius (T. 2.
& Chriſto, Naſcente, p, 39! ] will bave it that this cave was ſituated,
within the town of Berhleem. But the contrary aſſertion of Baro-
nus is confirmed by Natalis Alexander, Tillewonr, Calmet, Serry, ©
(Exerc, 30, n. 2.) card, Gotti, (de werit. relig: Chriſtian. T. 4. c. 7.
val Honors of St. Mary (Crit, T. 2. 4. 3. diff, 2. art. 2.) and
Ces (Eueid. Terra Sand, T. 8... + c. 4-) The cave on.
the ſide of a rock is about forty feet deep, and twelve wide, growing
now toward the roof. To this day there ate three convents of
latins, Greeks and Armenians, all contiguous, each having their
ſeveral doors opening into the chapel of. the Holy Manger. -There
we alſo ſhewn at Bethleem the chapel of St. Joſeph, that of the
dly Inn6cents, and thoſe of St. Jerom, St. Paula and St. o-
cum. "The manger in which Chriſt was born,” the object of the de-
tion of St. Paula and St. Jerom, (ep. 168. ad Euſtoch. 5. 0.) is
of wood, and is kept in the church of St. Mary Major at Rome,
vhither it was brought with ſome ſtones cut out of the rock in the.
cive at Yethleem, not in the year 352, as ſome ſay, but in the ſe-
'enth century, as Benedict XIV. proves. (1. 4. de Canoniz. part 3.)
On the defeription of Bethleem, ſee Adrichomius, and p —
Quareſmizis, Alſo, Fr. Blanchini, Di. 1. de P et cunis Uni.
J. C. in baflicam Liberianam tranſlatis. , Tillemont, (Note 5.) Bait -
et and ſome others think be ES thay an ox and aſs were in the
ſable arofe from Tfaiab i. 3. and Habacuc iy, 2. (which latter pal
lige is, accorging to the ſeventy," In the midſt of tbe 'beaft thou Bal
br made known) both which 1 the fathers expound meta-
Porieally, But the truth of this tradition is maintained by Barodius,
2d an, 1, n. 3.) Graveſon, (de Myſter. Chr. p. 156.} Honort of
N. Mary, (Crit. T. 2. 1. 3. diff. 2. art. 3.) Ayala, (Pitor Chriſtia»
Ms, I. 3. c. 1. v. 5.) Sandinus, (Hiſtoria familia facrz, c. 1. p. 13.)
Wareſmius, (Elucid, Terræ Sanctæ, 1. 6. c. 6) Benedict XIV. (l. 1.
de Mylter, C. 17. n. 37.) &c. See St. Jerom, ep. 108. ad Euſtoch.
be. Several anciem paintings in glaſs and ſculptures. on ſepulchres.
"f the fourth century, and ſome probably older, repreſent the ox and
tie aß preſent at the birth of Chriſt. See Bottarius (T. 1. explicat,
"UT. pictur. et ſculptur. Romæ fubterranez, Tab. 22. p. 88, 89.)
"6 Gorius. (Obſery, de prafeyi Dai, N. J. C. 8. tg; p. 82.)
-
316 CHRISTMAS DAY. Dee. 25.
rom, St. Gregory Nazianzen, St. Gregory of Nyſſa and
Prudentius produced by Baronius; and if the bleſſed
' travellers came not on foot, they muſt have had their
own aſs with them. In this place, the holy mother
when her time was come, brought forth her divine Son
without the pain of other mothers; remaining both in
and after his conception and birth a pure virgin. With
what joy and holy reſpect did ſhe behold and adore the
new born infant; the Creator of all things made man
for us? She wrapped him in ſwaddling-cloaths ſuch as
her poverty had allowed her to prepare, and with holy
awe laid him in the manger, ** With what ſolicitude
did ſhe watch him!“ ſays St. Bonaventure. (26) With
what reverence did ſhe touch him whom ſhe knew to be
her Lord! With what affection, tenderneſs and venera-
tion did ſhe embrace and kiſs him] With what awe did
the look on his face and tender hands! With what gra-
vity did ſhe compoſe and cover his little limbs
With what pleaſure did ſhe preſent to him her breaſt to
ſack ! In like manner are we to admire with St. Ber-
nard, How the holy man Joſeph would often take him
upon his knees, ſmiling at him.” We ought allo to
contemplate.how the choirs of angels deſcending from
above in raptures of aftoniſhment adore their God in
this new wonderful ſtate to which mercy and love have
reduced him, and ſalute him with hymns of praiſe. We
are invited to join them in the perſons of the holy ſhep-
herds. . God was pleaſed that his Son, though born on
earth with ſo-much ſecrecy, and in a ſtate of the molt
aſtoniſhing humiliation, ſhould 'be acknowledged by
men, and receive the firſt fruits of their hamages and
devotion upon his firſt appearance among them. Who
are they that are favoured with the honour of this hes.
venly call? The great ones of the world, the renowned
ſages among the Fn and Gentiles, the princes who by
their riches, power, pomp and ſtate, ſeemed raiſed
above the level of their fellow creatures, are paſſed ove!
on this occaſion. They are choſen whoſe character, b)
their very ſtation, is ſimplicity and humility, and whole
obſcurity, poverty and ſolitude removed them from the
; (26) St. Bonav. Vit. Chriſti. e. 10. |
c. 26.
a and
leſſed
their
1other
e Son
2th in
With
re the
e man
ſuch as
h holy
icitude
With
y to be
venera-
we did
at gra-
reaſt to
St. Ber-
ake him
alſo to
1 from
Cod in
ve have
iſe. We
ly ſhep-
born on
he moſt
Aged by
ages and
Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY. 317
principal dangers of worldly pride, and were moſt agree -
able to that love and ſpirit of retiredneſs, penance and
humility which Chriſt came to recommend. Nor can
ve doubt but they adorned their ſtate with the true ſpirit
of this ſunplicity and devotion. Theſe happy perſons
were certain ſhepherds who being ftrangers to the ſen-
ſuality and pride of the world, were at that time keep-
ing the watches of the night over their flock. Whilſt
the ſenſual and the proud were aſleep in ſoft beds, or
employed in purſuits of voluptuouſneſs, vanity or am-
bition, an angel appeared to theſe humble poor men,
and they ſaw themſelves encompaſſed with a great
brightneſs, They were ſuddenly ſeized with exceeding
great fear, but the heavenly meſſenger ſaid to them :
tear not + for behold J bring you good tidings of exceeding
great joy, that ſhall be to all the people. For this day is
born 10 you a Saviour, who is Chriſt the Lord, in the city
of David. And this all be a fign to you : you ſhall find
ibe child wrapped in ſwaddling-cloaths, and laid in a
manger. Suddenly then appeared with the angel a mul
utude of heavenly ſpirits praiſing God, and faying;
Glory be to God in the higheft; and on earth peace to men
of good will. After the departure of the angels the won-
dering ſhepherds ſaid to one another: Let ws go over to
Bethleem, and let us ſee this word that is come to paſs,
which the Lord hath ſhewed to us. They immediately
haſtened thither, and found Mary and Joſeph, and the
infant lying in the manger. Here _ did homage to
the Meſſias as to the ſpiritual king of men; and then
returned to their flocks glorifying and praiſing God. (29)
Mary was very reſerved” amidſt theſe occurrences, and
continued ſilent in her deportment, but obſerved all
theſe things, with ſecrecy pondering them in her heart.
The meſlage delivered by the angel to theſe ſhepherds is
addrefled alſo to us. In them-we are invited to pay our
omages and devotion to our new born Saviour. Devo-
uon gave them wings in haſtening to the manger. In
ke manner with ardour and diligence we muſt" obey
is ſummons, and acquit ourſelves in ſpirit of this great
duty, In contemplating this myſtery we muſt ' honour
„ „(%) Len q@ 20. |
24 CHRISTMAS.DAY. Des. 3g
our God and Redeemer, exulting with holy joy, and
pay ing to him the juſt homages of adoration, praiſe and
ve. |
The angel calls this wonderful myſtery a ſubject of
great joy to all the people. Indeed our hearts muſt be
inſenſible to all ſpiritual things if they do not overflow
with holy joy at the conſideration w 4 ſo glorious a mer-
cy, in which is diſplayed ſuch. an excels of the divine
goodneſs, and by which ſuch ineſtimable benefits and ſo
high an honour accrue to us. The very thought and
foreknowledge of this myſtery comforted Adam in his
baniſhment from Paradiſe. The promiſe of. it ſweeten-
ed the laborious pilgrimage of Abraham. The fame
encouraged Jacob to dread no adverſity, and Moſes to
brave all dangers and conquer all difficulties in delivet-
ing the liraelites from the Egyptian flavery.. All the
Prophets ſaw it in ſpirit with Abraham, and they reoic-
ed. If the expectation of it gave the patriarchs ſuch
Joy, bow much ought the accompliſhment. to create in
2. Joy is defined the delight of a rational creature ari-
— from the poſſeſſion of a deſired object. It muſt then
be proportioned to the nature of the poſſeſſion: conſe-
quently it ought to be as much greater in us as the
fruition of a good ſurpaſſes. the promiſe, poſſeſſion the
hope, or fruit the bloſſom, This St. Peter Chryſologus
illuſtrates with regard to this difference of the Old and
New Law as follows. The letter of a friend,” ſays
he, is comfortable : but his preſence is much more
welcome: a bond is uſeful ; but the payment more (0:
hlofloms are pleaſing, but only till the fruit appears
The ancient fathers received God's letters; we enjoy
his preſence : they had the promiſe, we the accompliſt»
ment: they the bond, we the payment.“ How would
thoſe ancient ſaints have exulted to have beheld with Si-
meon the completion of this great mercy ! for which
they never ceaſed ardently to ſigh, weep and pray. This
reſſection made St. Bernard ſay: (28) © Very often do
I tevolve in mind the ardour of the deſire with which
the fathers ſighed for the coming of Chriſt in the fleſn:
and I am filled within my ſelf with confuſion, and pen
(28) St. Bern. Serm. in Cant. C. 2.
f. . as CHRISTMAS DAY. 219
„ and WH uated with compunction: and even now ſcarce am I able
: to contain my tears; ſo much am I aſhamed of the floth
and lukewarmneſs of theſe wretched times. For who
amongſt us now conceives ſo much joy from the pre-
ſence of this grace, as the promiſe of it inflamed deſire
in the ancient faints? Behold many indeed will rejoice
in this feſtival ; but I with it were on account of the
feſtival, not of vanity.” (c) Chriſtians who rejoice with
a worldly, vain or carnal mirth, are —. — to the
ſpirit of God, and his holy joy. This ariſes from a feel -
ing ſenſe of the bleſſings which we receive, and the love
which God bears to us in this myſtery : to which ſouls
which, are immerſed in the fleſh and vanity, are ſtrang -
en Did they truly weep under their ſpiritual miſeries,
and value theſe advantages, ſome degree of this ſpiritual
jy would enter their hearts. Some exterior marks of
this joy are allowed, provided they be not fought for
themſelves, but ſuch as ſuit a penitential ſtate and chrif-
tan, gravity, both by their nature and extreme modera-
bon that is held in them; and laſtly, provided motives
of virtue ſanctify them, and they expreſs and ſpring
rom: an. interior ſpiritual joy, which is altogether holy.
H fnſuglity have any ſhare in our feſtivals, they are
ther heatheniſh Bacchanals than chriſtian ſolemnities,
and on them we feed and ſtrengthen thoſe paſſions which
Chniſt;-was born only to teach us to ſubdue. To ſanc-
ty this feaſt, we ought to conſecrate it to devotion and
N to the exerciſes of adoration, praiſe and love.
is is the tribute we muſt offer to our new born Savi-
our when we. viſit him in ſpirit with the good ſhepherds,
Wich them we muſt enter the ſtable, and contemplate
this myſtery with a lively faith, by which under the
veils of this infant body we diſcover the infinite majeſty
a our God. And in this. myſtery we ſhall diſcern a
prodigy of omnipotence to excite our praiſe, and a pro-
tgy of love to. kindle in our fouls the affections of ar-
dent love of Goc. | 7 nt HD
To contemplate. immenſity ſhuv up in a little body;
Mnpotence clothed with weakneſs, the eternal God
1 in time, the joy of angels bathed. in tears, is ſome-
(e Sed utinam de feſtivitate, non de wanitate, + _\
— —— — — ——— ff — —yu OO.
-
320 CHRISTMAS DAY. Dec. 2g,
thing far more wonderful than to conſider God creating
a world out of nothing, moving the heavens, and weigh-
ing the univerſe with a finger. This is a myſtery alto-
gether unutterable ; to be adored in filence, and in
raptures of admiration, not to be declared by words.
How can any one ſpeak of the wonder which is here
wrought amongſt us?“ _ St, Fulgentius. (29) A
man of God, a creature of his Creator, one who is fi-
nite and was born in time of Him who is immenſe and
eternal.” Here, He who is wonderful in all his works,
has outdone what creatures could have known to be
poſſible to Omnipotence itſelf, had they not ſeen it ac-
compliſhed. Another eminent ſervant of God cries out
upon this myſtery. (30) „O Lord our God, how ad-
mirable is thy name over all the earth! Truly Thou art
a God working wonders. I am not now aſtoniſhed at
the creation of the world, at the heavens, at the earth,
at the ſucceſſion of days and ſeaſons. But I wonder to
ſee God incloſed in the womb of a virgin, the Omnipo-
tent lain in a manger, the eternal Word cloathed with
fleſh.” Ought we not to invite the heavenly ſpirits to
exert their might in praiſing the Lord for this incompre-
henſible effort of his power, goodneſs and wiſdom? to
orify their God in this ſtate of humiliation which his
infinite love has moved him to put on to ſave finful
man? Adore him, all you his angels; (31) But theſe
devout ſpirits have received a ſtrict injunction to acquit
themſelves of this duty. The eternal Father when he
brought his Son into the world laid on them his com-
mands, ſaying : Let all the angels of God adore bim. (32)
Though they neither wanted invitation or command,
their own devotion being their prompter. O! what
muſt have been their ſentiments when they ſaw a ſtable
converted into heaven by the wonderful preſence of iis
king, and beheld that divine infant, knowing his weak
hands to be thoſe which framed the univerſe, and bor-
dered the heavens with light ; and that by Him both
the heavens and the earth ſubſiſt? Are they not more
( ) St. Fulgentius, Serm, 2. de Nativ. < zo) Arnoldus Bon-
nevallis, Serm. de Nativ, inter opera 8. Cypriani, (31) Pf. xi. 7.
»
ec. 28, Dec. 25. CHRISTMAS DAY. 221
reating aſtoniſhed to contemplate him in this humble hidden
weigh»
y alto-
and in
words.
is here
Ka! |
) is fi-
ile and
works,
to be
it ac»
r1es out
ow ad-
hou art
hed at
> earth,
nder to 5 5 N 5
mnipo- ppineſs) to men of good will. (e) In our devotions,
ed with
irits to 8
ompre- |
om? to y. to
ich his in
” ſinful al things li 445M B abi 41858, Ihe a | ae,
u theſe Love is the tribute which God challenges of us in a
b acquit {Wl Pticular/manner in this myſtery :. this is the return
hen be WI which he requires of us for all he has done and ſuffereq
s com-
m. (32)
nmand,
What
a ſtable
tic ton
x
2
make it a third member of the ſentence, and to ſignify » PETE
and divine favour and grace to men. The
YL
312 CHRISTMAS DAY. Dec. 23.
ſponding with ſuch a grace. But we are bound to it
upon the title of the ſtricteſt juſtice, God being inf.
"nite in all perfections, is infinitely worthy of our love,
and we ought to love him with an infinite love, if we
were capabſe of it. We are alſo bound to love him in
gratitude, eſpecially for the benefit of his Incarnation,
in which he has given us himſelf, and this in order to
reſcue us from extreme miſeries, and to beſtow on us
the moſt incomprehenſible graces and favours. Man
had ſinned, and'was become the aſſociate of the devil.
God mercifully fought him out, and by his promiſe of a
Redeemer raiſed! him from the gulph into which he was
Fallen, Nevertheleſs, almoſt all the nations of the earth
had; by blindly following their paſſions, at length fallen
into a total forgetfulneſs of God ho made them, and
geified firſt inanimate ſtars and planets, afterward dead
men, the moſt impious and profligate of the human
race; alſo the works of their own hands, often beaſts,
monſters, and their own baſeſt paſſions: the moſt infa-
mous erimes they authorized by the ſanction of pretend-
ed religious rites ; the numbers and boldneſs of the cri-
minals ſereened them from the danger of diſgrace ; and
from every cotner of the earth vice cried- to heaven for
vengeatice. The Jews, who had been favoured by God
above all other nations, and declared his peculiar people,
were neyertheleſs- abandoned to envy, jealouſy, pride,
id other vices; ſo that even amongſt them the number
bf privileged ſouls which remained faithful to God, ap-
2 7 to be very ſmall. Are we not affrighted to con-
der this daluge of iniquity, this monſtrous ſcene of
horror! Vet ſuch was the face of the earth when the Son
of God honoured it with his divine preſence and con-
verſation. Who would not have imagined, when he
beard that God was coming to viſit, the earth, that it
muſt have beet q deſtroy it by fire from heaven, as be
had done Sodom, and to bury its rebellious inhabitants
in hell? But no: whilſt the world was reeking with
blood and oppreſſions, and over-run with impiety, he
came to [ave it. How does the ingratitude and baſeneſs
of man ſet off his love I At the ſight of our miſcries his
compaſſion was ftirred up the more tenderly, and -his
ec. 23.
1 to it
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love,
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Villa-Noyg, Cone. 3. in Dom. 1.
Dee. 2. CHRISTMAS DAY. 323
bowels yearned towards us. He came to ſave us when
we deſerved nothing at his hands but eternal torments.
Alſo the manner in which he came to viſit us, ſnews yet
in a more aſtoniſhing manner the exceſs of his goodneſs
and charity for us. To engage our hearts more ſtrong»
ly, he has made himſelf like to us, taking upon him
our nature. God was ſeen upon earth, and has converſed
with men. (33) The word was made fleſh. (34) God is
born an infinite babe, the Eternal is become a young
child, the Omnipotent is made weak, he who is effen-
tially infinite and independent, is voluntarily reduced to
a ſtate of ſubjection, and humbled beneath his own
creatures. It is love, and the love of us ſinful men that
hath done all this. O ſtrong wine of charity!“ cries
out St. Thomas of Villa Nova, (35) O moſt power-
ful triumph of love ! Thou haſt conquered the invinci-
ble: the Almighty is become thy captive. - O truly ex-
ceſs of charity! Can we contemplate this divine in-
fant, or call to mind this adorable myſtery, without,
melting in love? So ſweetly do all its circumſtances
breathe the moſt tender love: which the church ex-
preſſes by ſaying, that on this day the heavens flow with
honey. Can we ever fatiate the affection of our fouls
by repeating to ourſelves thoſe amiable words, and re-
citing them every time with a freſh effuſion of joy and
love? A Little One is born to us ;' a Son is given to us.
(36) Or, This day is born to you a Saviour. (37)
St. Francis of Aſſiſium appeared not able to contain
himſelf through exceſfive' tenderneſs of love, when he
ſpoke of this myſtery; and named the Little Babe of
ethleem. St. Bernard ſays: God on the throne of
his majeſty and greatneſs commands our fear and our
* but in his littleneſs eſpecially our love.“ (
This father invites all created beings to join him in love
and adoration, and to liſten in awful filence to the pro-
(33) Baruch, il. 36. (34) John 1 14. (35) S. Tho, de
i | Ad. (36) Iſa. ix 6. (37) Luke
ih * | | 4 . * | of
77 ) Magnus. Dominus, laudabilis nimis : | Parwvus Dominus, et
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320 CHRISTMAS DAY. Pe. 23
elamatign of the feſtival ip honour of this myſtery made
in the Roman martyrology. Hear ye heavens,” ſays
he, and lend your ears, O earth. Stand in raptures
of aſtoniſnment and prajſe, O you whole: creation, but
you chiefly, ©, man... Jeſus Chriſty, the Son of | the bving
God, wes Bern in Beibleen of Juda. O het word of
the. Eternal Word abridged far ds! but filled: with hea-
yenly \weetnels, ' The affection of this melting ſuect-
95 Hruggles within, eameſtly labonring widely to dif-
yn abundanee, but finds ot wards. For
ſuch is the grace and. energy of tis (peceh, that it re-
liſhgs.leſs if ane. ola in it be changed.“ In another (er-
having xepeated., the fame wards, he adds: At
thele words my ſoul melts, apd my ſpirit boils within
me, haſtening with burning defire to publiſh to you
thus Aultation and Joy. (38) If this love wers kindled
in qm breaft, agthing were (weeter ts us than 10 abjde
in ſpirit at the fegt of Jeſus, pondering the motive, that
is, the exgels, af divine love, which brought him from
heaven, and contemplating the other circumſtances of
us myſtery. ' How ought we to ſalute and adore thoſe
cried hands which are weakened, wrapped in clouts
or ſtretched, on the manger, for love of us, but which
woye the heayens, and uphold and govern Hh ores
Allo thole divine feet, which will undergo many.
tigues, and at length be bored an the croſs for us.
at blood which, puxples his little veins, and dyes by
bleſſed. cheeks, but which is the price of aur redempt-
ou, and will be one, day poured out upon the. croſs
How is this ſwect countenance, which. is the joy of an-
gels, now Sonhcgaled! But it will one day be buffeted,
bruiſed, and covered with filthy. phlegm. How ought
we reſpectfully to honour it! His holy fleſh, more pure
than angels, even: now begins wo ſuffer from the cold,
and other hardſhips : do we not. defire to defend it from
theſe injuries? But this cannot be allowed. Nor could
any ont oppoſe the work of our redemption. Sin is the
cauſe of all that he ſufſers, and ſhall not we deteſt and
ſhun that monſter? The loving eyes of the divine Jeſus
pierces our fouls. They are now dathed in tears;
36) 8. Bern. Serm. 6, in Vigil. Nativ. p. 771.
Der. 241 CHRISTMAS DAY. 425
us gt. Bernard ſays, « Jeſus werps not as other
children; or at leaſt — the — when They
for their wants and weakneſs, jeſus for com paſſion
10 love for us. May theſt precious tears move the hea-
tenly Father to ſhew us mercy: and may they ſofren;
waſh, and cleanſe out ſouls. © Theſe rears excite in
me both grief and ſhame,” fays the ſame father, when
| conſider my dyn inſenſibility amidft my ſpiritual mis
feries.” But höthing in this contemplation will more
ſtrongly move us than to penetrate into the interior em-
ployment of this divine Saviour's holy ſoul, and to con-
ſider the ardour of his zeal in the pfarſes of his Father,
and in his ſupplications to Him on our behalf: his com ·
paſſion for us, ind. the conſtant oblation which he made
of himſelf to obtain for us merey and grace. Such me-
dtations and pious entertainments of our ſouls will have
2 — in kindling the fire of holy love in out
Bat all endeavours would be weak, fo long as
ve do not labour effectually to remove all obſtacles to
this holy love in our affections. To cute theſe diſorders
is the chief end of the birth of Chriſt; he purchaſed the
Face for us by his ſufferings; and he taught us the reme ·
by his example. on 3 3107
Chriſt's actions are no leſs inſtructions to us than his
dfcourfes. His life is the goſpel reduced to practice. It
s enough to ſtudy it to underſtand well his doctrine ;
and to become perfect we muſt imitate his example,
by this he inſtructs us in his very nativity, beginning
frſt to practiſe, then to preach. (39) Hence the man-
ger was his firſt pulpit, and in it he teaches us the cure
of our ſpiritual maladies. The Jews, addicted to their
ſenſes and paſſions, blinded thernſelves, miſtook the pro-
ts, and framed an idea of a Meſſiah agreeable to
their own fancy, who ſhoald be a rich and mighty con-
Ueror, and ſhould —_— — the greateſt city,
and their nation the moſt flouriſhing empire in the
world. But this was not ſuch a Meſſiah as we wanted.
Gold and filver, and a magnificent city, would only
have made us more in love with our exile, fo as to for-
2 more our heavenly country. Such a Saviour could
ve only ſerved to nouriſh, not to heal aur corruption:
(39) Acts i. 4
226 CHRISTMAS DAY. Der. 25;
He would have raiſed our deſires and paſſions, and made
himſelf the inſtrument to feed and gratify them. He
would have been a tempter and deceiver; to have been
ſhunned by thoſe who knew their diſtempers, and ſought
their true remedies... But the prophets give the Meſſiah
the very oppoſite characteriſtics. The fifty-third chapter
of Haiah alone, not to mention many other prophecies,
evinces this truth, and ought to have opened the eyes of
the carnal Jews, The ſaints, who had all learned a ſpirit
of contempt of ſuch goods, would never have languiſhed
for the coming of ſuch a Saviour : as gold, worldly ho-
nours, or empire were not the-preſents they aſked or ex-
pected from him, but the cure of their infirmities, and
the abundance of his heavenly graces. He is come ſuch
as the holy prophets had deſired and foretold, ſuch as our
miſeries required, our true phyſician and Saviour, He
wanted not on earth honours or ſceptres; he came not
to taſte of our vanities: - riches and glory he abounded
with. He came among us to ſeek our miſeries, our po-
verty, our humiliation, to repair the injuries our pride
had offered to the Godhead, and to apply a remedy to
our ſouls. Therefore he choſe not a palace, or a great
city; but a poor mother, a little town, a ſtable. He
| who adorns the world, and clothes the lilies of the fields
beyond the majeſty of Solomon in his glory, 1s wrapt
up in rags, and laid in a manger. And this he choſe to
be the great ſign of his appearance. And this ſpall be
the fign to you. ſaid the angel to the ſhepherds: you ſball
find the child wrapped in /waddling-cloaths, and laid in
a manger. Are then rags and a manger the wonderful
ſign of our God appearing on earth! Are theſe the
works of the great Meſſiah, of whom the prophets
ſpoke ſo glorious things! This it was that ſcandalized
the Jews in his birth. “ Take from us thoſe clouts,
and that manger,” ſaid Marcion, unjuſtly prepoſſeſſed
againſt the humility of ſuch an appearance. (g) But
this is a ſign which God himſelf hath choſen, and ſet
up for his ſtandatd: a ſign to be the contradiction to
our pride, coyetouſneſs, and ſenſuality. And do not
we wonder at the ſtupendous virtue and efficacy of thus
he g) Aufer @ nobis pannos, et dura prafſepia, Ap, Tert. l. ade.
Ialdton. — 57
conqi
lician,
Dec. 25s, CHRISTMAS DAY, 32)
ſign, ſo ſhocking to the ſenſes and paſſions, when we ſee
bow it drew to it the little and great, the magians and
the ſnepherds, who knew their Saviour by it, and re-
turned, glorifying God ? How many have enrolled them-
ſelves under the ſame ſtandard! Yet is it ſtill a, ſcandal
and a contradiction to many who call themſelves its fol-
bwers,, who bluſh at it, not in Chriſt indeed, but, by
aſtrange inconſiſtency in themſelves, whilſt they pretend
to walk in his ſpirit. Would not theſe nominal Chriſ-
tians have rejected Jefus with the Jeus, had they been
then alive? Do they not now exclude him from their
hearts? | | rn 1
Chriſt ſet up this his mark for us: it is our powerful
inſtruction. The grace of God the Saviour hath appeared
to all men, inſtructing us, ſays the apoſtle: (40) All men,
the rich and the poor, the great and the ſmall, all who
deſire to have a ſhare in his grace, or in his kingdom.
And what breaſt can be ſo ſtony as not to be ſoftened at
this example ? Our inveterate diſeaſes ſeemed almoſt un-
conquerable. But Chriſt is come, the omnipotent Phy-
lician, to apply a remedy to them. Our diſorders flow
three ſources. All that is in the world, is the
concupiſcence of the fleſh, and the concupiſcence of" eyes,
and the pride of life. (41) What is concupiſcence of
the fleſh but. the 1nordinate inclination to gratify the
lenſes? Chriſt, to encourage us to renounce this love of
ſenſual pleaſures, and his his juſtice by his own
ſufferings for our offences in this way, begins to ſuffer
as ſoon as he begins to live. At his very birth he ex-
poſes his delicate body to the inclemency of the ſeyereſt
ſeaſon of the year, to the hard boards of the manger for
a cradle, to hunger, and to a privation of the moſt or-
dinary conveniences and neceſſaries of human life. His
tender and divine limbs tremble. with cold, his eyes
ſtream with tears, and he conſecrated the firſt moments
of his life to ſuffering and pain. He who directs the
ſeaſons, governs the univerſe, and diſpoſes all things, has
ordained every thing for this very end. Yet we ſtudy in
al things to flatter our ſenſes, to pamper our bodies in
ſoltneſs and every gratification, and to remove every
(40) Tit. ti. 11. (43) 1 Johnii, 16.
328. CHRISTMAS DAY, Der. 25,
thing that is hard or painful, Is this to imitate the mo-
del of penance and mortification that is ſet us? Chriſt,
by theſe ſufferings, and this privation of all things, ſhews
us that he came to ſatisfy the juſtice of his Father, and
to repair the injury done to his glory by our fins. But
by the ſame he teaches us the remedies of our diſorders,
and ſhews us how they are to be applied to our ſouls,
as he came to inſtruct us in all we want to know and do
in order to fave our ſouls, and to reform all our irregular
paſſions and mannets. Could he have preached this
more powerfully than he has done by the example of his
birth? How comes it, notwithſtanding, that we are not
yet ſufficiently perſuaded that we cannot be faved at a
cheaper rate than by a conſtant practice of ſelf-denial
and penance? Either Chrift is deceived, or the world
errs,“ fays St, Bernard. (5) The former is impoſſible :
che very thought would be blaſphemy. It is then clear,
that notwithſtanding the torrent of cha example in. the
world, a life of ſoftneſs, intemperance, and ſenſual de-
lights is tie incentive of vice, and the (ure road to eter-
nal ition; it & a 8 4
| * is underſtood the love
cupiſcence of the _—_
f niches; the ſecond root of the diforders which reign
the world, and the foundation of its falfe maxims.
This our Saviour teaches us to root out of our hearts by
embracing the moſt auſtere poverty, and conſecrating it
in his divine body, to uſe the expreſſion of St. Bernard,
He ſhews us the danger of riches, and the crime and
diſorder of a love or eager-purſuit of them. Riches are
good in the deſigns of Providence; and what is more
noble than to have the means of relieving the diſtreſſes
of others? This motive all pretend in amaſſing riches:
but ſeek in them only the intereſt of ſelf-love, Riches
are a fruit which the fin of our firſt parent has infected
with a mortal poiſon. make ſalvation very dift-
cult by the dangers which attend them, and by the great
obligations they lay men under, and which are ſitile
thought on. The woe which the goſpel pronounce
againſt the rich, falls not upon them becauſe they g
Rl... Aut CBriſtus fallitur, aut munduz errat. 8. Bern. Serm. 3.
oO e
per. 25: CHRISTMAS DAY: 32H
ther the fruits of the earth, but becauſe they ſeek them
with too great eagerneſs, or ſet their hearts too much on
them. The rich and the poor adore them in their de-
fires. This is the diforder. Men may be poor in ſpirit
in the midſt of riches. But this is truly an extraordi-
nary grace. Thoſe that are bleſſed with riches muſt
fear them, leſt they find admittance mto their hearts.
They muſt watch over themſelves againſt this danger,
always bearing in mind that they are things fo trail, ſo
toubleſome, and ſuch incentives of vice, that reaſon
taught the philoſophers amongſt the heathens to deſpite
them, They are moreover moſt frequently either the
effect or the cauſe of iniquity : faulty either in their
acquiſition, or in their uſe. In their acquiſition, in
which injuſtices are fo frequent, that Seneca ſays, ** E-
yery rich man is either unjuſt, or the heir of one who
was unjuſt.” And the organ of the Holy Ghoſt de-
clares: He that maketh haſte to be rich ſhall not be in-
wrent. (42) At leaſt a deſire of riches uſually attends
the acquiſition, which is many ways inordinate; and is
always a ſpiritual fever which deſtroys the reliſh of hea-
venly goods, and conſumes the very vitals of the inte-
rior life. It is an idolatry, as St. Paul calls it, (43) and
the ame maſter who commanded idols to be baniſhed
out of the world, obliges us to baniſh the love of riches
out of our hearts. The leaſt reſerve draws on us the
curſe of heaven. This deſire in the rich is inſatiable.
The prophet Iſaias faid to them, (44) A to you that
Join houſe t9 houſe, and lay field to field, even to the
end of the place: fball you alone dwell in the midſt of
the earth? And the Roman ſatiriſt reproached one that
ſeemed to deſign to make all Rome a ſingle houſe for
himſelf, (i) The rich are anxious for ſuperfluities,
and are tormented by extravagant deſires. The poor
have here often as much to correct: the deſire of poſ-
ſeſſions is as criminal as an attachment to the poſſeſſion;
it often expoſes to a thouland injuſtices, under ſubtle
diſguiſes, and ſhuts the heart to divine grace. Let all
bour in the world, but not for the world; and let all
(42) Prov. xxviii. 20. (43) Col. iii. 5. (44) Iſa. v. 8.
(i) Roma demus fiet.
330 ' CHRISTMAS DAY. Der. 23
inordinate defires and anxiety be cut off. Let the poor
place themſelves neareſt to Jeſus Chriſt, and learning
from him the happineſs of their condition, ſtudy their
own ſanctification in it. Let the rich look upon their
poſſeſſions as a burden hard to bear well, and labour to
ſanctify them by a good uſe, and by imitating Chriſt
our model in a perfect _ of diſengagement and po-
verty. For in the uſe of riches there are till greater
dangers than in the acquiſition. Theſe are, leſt a man
forget himſelf and his miſeries; feel a complacency in
his plenty, and be puffed up with pride; live in plea-
ſures and ſoftneſs which cuſtom ſeems to authorize, and
in a circle of amuſements which flatter the ſenſes ; gra-
tify his paſſions which riches inflame; think himſelf by
riches qualified for every thing, and take upon him em-
ployments and obligations, for the diſcharge of which he
has not abilities ; refuſe the debt which he owes to the
poor of all his ſuperfluities; live in luxury, which damn-
ed the rich glutton, and practiſe neither mortification
nor penance. Is not ſloth a crime which damns fouls,
and is the mother of all vice? Yet how many among the
rich fly ſtudy and labour, as if they thought ſloth, va-
nity, and pleaſure the privilege of their rank! Is not
the life of a Chriſtian to be penitential ? Where is that
of the rich ſuch ? Vicious inclinations are rouzed and
ſtrengthened by riches; and by incentives and opportu-
nities the paſſions often reign in the heart of the rich
with uncontrollable empire. If they ſometimes confeſs
the vanity and illuſion of the world, and condemn their
own folly, this ſentiment is ſtifled almoſt in its birth,
and in a ſhort time they are again plunged into a forget-
fulneſs of themſelves, and by a relapſe are more culpa-
ble than before. To other dangers we -muſt add the
misfortune that the rich are ſurrounded by flatterers, and
that others artfully conſpire to blind and betray them
amidft their dangers. How often does it happen that
miniſters of God. deceive them, calling evil good, and
good evil, ſoothing/ their paſſions, or diſguiſing their
obligations. But without entering into this detail, do
not the curſes of Chriſt ſuffice to make all Chriſtians
tremble at the dangers of. this ſtate ?, This fear alone can
cation
ſouls,
ng the
1, Va-
Is not
s that
| and
rtu-
rich
Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY. 331
render thoſe that are in it ſecure, by making them al-
ways watch over their own hearts, hos they be not led
into any ſnares. By this means, though Chriſt declares
riches one of the moſt dangerous obſtacles of grace,
many ſaints have changed them into the means of their
ſalvation, joining with their poſſeſſion a ſpirit of poyerty
and diſengagement, and making them the inſtruments of
juſtice and charity. It is therefore neither to riches nor
to poverty that Chriſt promiſes the kingdom of heaven;
but to the diſengagement of the heart from the love of
riches in whatever ſtate perſons live. But that of po-
verty he recommends by his own choice, as the eaſier
and happier for the practice of the moſt perfect virtues.
The world indeed abounds with poverty: but not with
that of which Chriſt; ſets up the ſtandard. Becauſe
worldly poor complain and groan under the hardfhips
of their condition, and bluſh at its humiliations, which
they ought .to eſteem, as the means of grace, opportuni-
ties of virtue, remedies of their evils, and the livery of
their God and Redeemer... | oo w 00 oh
Pride being the third and principal ſource of our diſ-
orders, and our deepeſt wound, humulity is diſplayed. in
the moſt wonderful manner in the birth of the Son of
God. What is the whole myſtery. of the Incarnation
but the moſt aſtoniſhing - humiliation of the Deity ?
To expiate our pride, and to repair the injury offered
to the adorable Trinity by our uſurpation, the eternal
Son of God diveſts himſelf of his glory, and takes upon
him the form of Man. Neither is he content with mak-
ing this infinite deſcent, but every circumſtance in the
manner of making it, is carried, to the moſt amazing
degree of humiliation. Who would not expect to hear,
that when God deſcended upon earth, the heavens would
bend beneath him, the earth be moved at his ſight, and
all nature arrayed with magnificence ? Who would not
think that the whole creation would be averwhelmed
with the glory of his preſence, and tremble with awe
before him? But nothing of this was ſeen. He came
not,” ſays St. Chry ſoſtom, (45) ſo as to ſhake the
world at the preſence of his majeſty : nor did he appear
(45) S. Chryſoſt. in PL. 50. p. 536. T. 5. |
332 CHRISTMAS DAY: Der. 2
in thunder and lightning, as on mount Sinai; but he
deſcended ſweetly, no man knowing it.“ bil aff
ththgs- were in decp filence, and the night was in tht
nieht of ber courſe, thy Almighty Mord came —_—
leu ben, from thy royal throne. (46) No one of the
great 6nes of the world is apprized of this great myſte:
ry. Thoſe few choſen perſons to whom he is pleaſed to
reveal himſelf, are called to adore him in the cloſeſt ſe-
crecy and ſilence. If this be the manner in which he
comes, what is the appearance which he makes among
men? At this ſight hat muſt be our aſtoniſhment ! T6
what a condition do we ſee the king of glory reduced!
He appears the outcaſt of the world, is rejected by his
dun people, who refuſe to receive him under their roof,
is lodged in à ſtable, wrapped: in rags, and laid in 4
munger. Is this abandoned ſhelter pt: carrle; this crib
of beaſts, the place where God was tatrepoſe on earth?
Ate theſe rags the enſigus of infinite majeſty? How dif-
ferent was the lodging, the clothing; the attendance of
many princes who at that very time werte born into the
world, laid in downe, lodged in palaces, and ſerved by
many hands How. comes the king of heaven to make
his appearance in ſuch a ſtate of abaſrment, and ſo deſ.
titute- of due honotir, and of every convenience! His
birth is, notwithſtumding, the maſter· piece of infinite
Viſdom, mercy, and omnipotence. Theſe perfections
no where ſhine more peo ime” emp in this myſtery ;
for he came thus to be our phyſician, to correct our miſ-
taken judgment of things, to heal our pride, to bring,
and to encourage us to uſe the remedy to our grievous
maladies, and to overcome our reluctancy to its bitter
neſs by taking it firſt himſelf. Therefore humility was
0 be his enſign, and the angel gave his rags and man-
ger io the ſhepherds, for the mark by which he was to
be known. This ſball be 10 you n fign. Does not the
reproach which his example makes to us, open our eyes,
and touch our hearts? What do we behold! A God poor,
a God humbled, a God ſaffering. And can we any
longer entertain thoughts of ſenſuality, ambition, or
pride? N 1 em en 14 b
(40) Wide. xv. 14, 15.
I this humility of a God he moſt aſtoniſhing, is nor
the: bhadrieſs and pride of man, after ſuck an example,
vmerhing, A nag — more--mconceivable ? Chriſt
is born thus only tp atone foro, pride, to ſhew us the
beauty of humility, and to plant it in our hearts. Hu-
mility is his ftandard 4 and the ſpirit of ſincere humility
s the mark by which his diſciples muſt be known, to be
his Can we profeſs ourſelves his followers, can we look
upon cke example which he has ſet us, and yet continue
to entertain thoughts of ambition and pride à To learn
the interior perfect ſpirĩt of humility and all other vir-
tues, we cannot make uſe of any more powerſul means
than ſerious and ent meditation rl nativity and
divine life. Placing ourſelves in ſpirit at the manger,
after the tender of our homages'by acts of adoration,
ptaiſe, thankſgiving,:and Jove,-we'muſt ſtudy in him
the leſſons of all wierues, 'and muſt” preſent to our new-
born king our eameſt ſapplications to obtain of him all
thoſe gifts and graces which he comes to beſtow upon
us. Let us learn humility from the lowlineſs in which
he appears, and from the humility of his ſacred heart,
let us learn meekneſs by beholding the ſweetneſs and
patience with which this God-man receives all injuries
trom men and from the elements. Let us learn reſigna-
non from the indifference with which he bears cold,
wants, wrongs, and whatever is ſent him. Let us
learn obedience from the moſt perfect ſubmiſſion of our
bleſſed Saviour to the will of his heavenly Father, from
his birth offering himſelf without reſerve even to the
death of the crois. © Let us learn charity from the ar-
dour of his divine love. Let us learn a contempt of the
world and its perifhable goods from the extreme poverty
vhich Chriſt made his voluntary choice. Let not the
ſpirit and maxims of the world reign any longer in our
hearts, ſince Chriſt has ſhewn us ſuch powerful motives,
and preſented us ſuch ſovereign remedies againſt them.
( If we ſtill continue poſſeſſed with them, when will
our follies be corrected? (Y) Have we not hitherto been
" (1) Salem uſque us Fit Doi trres e drach
& Aug, Ta in H, Aer FR PATE * *
(1) Wands babituri finem fallaciarum?
.
|
334 CHRISTMAS DA. Dec. 24,
idolaters of ourſelves by pride, idolaters of the world by
vanity and avarice, and idolaters of our fleſh by living
enſlaved to our ſenſes? Theſe idols we renounced at
baptiſm: but have we not lived in a perfidious violation
of theſe vows? Unleſs we now ſincerely renew theſe
engagements, and baniſh theſe idols out of our affecii-
ons, Jeſus; can never be ſpiritually born in our fouls,
and we can never inherit his ſpirit, which was the end
of his carnal agtivity. He is meek and the king of
peace, the lover of purity and of chaſte affections, and
the avowed enemy to every ſpirit of pride, hatred, and
revenge. Bees cannot approach filth and ſtench: infr-
nitely more Chriſt flies with abhorrence from ſouls that
are defiled with ſimful or earthly affe&tions In ſuch he
finds no place, any more than he did in the inns at Beth-
leem, We muſt earneſtly invite and intreat him who
vehemently. deſires to be born in our hearts, that he
repare our ſouls to receive him by his that he
cleanſe them by his mercy, and by inſpiring us with
ſincere compunction, that he baniſn every inordinate
paſſion, fill us with his holy ſpirit, and by it reign in
all our affections, thoughts, and actions; that as by bis
nativity he is become all ours, ſo we may be altogether
his. Without this condition we fruſtrate in ourſelves
the end of his coming : he is not born for us, unleſs by
his ſpirit he be born in us. Let us conjure him by the
infinite love with which he came for this very purpoſe,
hat he ſuffer us not wretchedly to defeat this his mercy.
For this happineſs we ought ardently to repeat that peti-
tion which he. himſelf has put into our mouths: Thy
kingdom come. The devout Thaulerus teaches us to alk
it dy the following prayer: (47) Come, O my Lord
Jeſus Chriſt, take away all ſcandals out of thy king-
dom, which is- my ſoul, that you who ought, may reign
in it alone. Pride, luſt, envy, detraction, anger, and
other paſſions fight in my heart, to uſurp portions: to
themielves. Through your grace watch and reſiſt with
all my ſtrength, Lery out that I belong to you alone,
and am all yours; and ſtretching out my hands to you,
Fay: I have no king but the Lord jeſus. Come there.
| (47) Thauler, -Serm, in Domin. 3. Adventus.
3
retaine
theſe |
birth c
Father
urſelves
nleſs by
by the
purpoſe,
merey.
*
fore, -O Lord; diſperſe your enemies in your mighty
ſtrength, and you will reign in me, becauſe you are
my king and my God.” | | 8 |
The cuſtom of one prieſt celebrating ſeveral maſſes
on the ſame day prevailed in many places on great feſti--
vals. (48) Prudentius, in his twelfth hymn On zhe
Crowns of Martyrs, mentions, that on the feaſt of SS.
Peter and Paul, the 2gth of June, the pope ſaid maſs
firſt at the Vatican, and afterward in the church of St.
paul, without the city. The popes on Chriſtmas- day
formerly ſaid three maſſes, the firſt in the Liberian ba-
filic, the ſecond in the church of St. Anaſtaſia, the third
in the Vatican, as Benedict XIV. proves from ancient
Roman Orders, or Miſſals. St. Gregory the Great ſpeaks
of ſaying three maſſes on this day. (49) This cuſtom
of the popes was univerſally imitated, and is every where
retained,” though not of precept. Pouget (30) ſays, that
theſe three maſſes are celebrated to honour the triple
birth of Chriſt; the firſt, by which he proceeds from his
Father before all ages; the ſecond, from the Bleſſed Vir-
gn Mary; and the third, by which he is ſpiritually
born in our ſouls by faith and charity. That Chriſt
was born on the 25th of December, pope Benedict XIV.
proves by the authority of St. Chry ſoſtom, St. Gregory
of Nyſſa, St. Auſtin, &c. and anſwers the objections
of Scaliger and Samuel Baſnage. (51) He doubts not
but the Greek church originally kept this feſtival on the
ame day; (52) and he takes notice, that among the
principal feaſts of the year it holds the next place after
taſter and Whitſunday. (53)
, On Tue SAME Day. ad
St. AnasTAs14a, M. Her name is mentioned in
the canon of the maſs, in the ſacramentary of St: Gte-
Sory, and in other ancient catalogues of martyrs. There
(43) See Bona Rer. Liturg. I. 1. c. 18. n. 6. Joſeph. Vicecomes;
De antiquis miſſæ ritibus, 1. 3. c. 23, &c. (49) S8. Greg. hom. 5.
" Evang. (50) luſtit. Cathol. T. . p. 814. © (31) De Feſtis
Chriſti D. c. 17. n. 45. p. 411. See F. Honore, Regles de Crit.
3. dif, 2, art. 1. and Tillemont, note 4. (52) n. 67. locs
cb. p. 422. (53) n. 57. p. 417+
236 S. EUGENIA, V. M. Dec. 25.
ſtands in Rome an ancient church, which is dedicated
i. God in her memory. In the acts of St. Chry ſogonus
we are told, that ſhe was of an illuftrious deſcent at
Rome, had St; Chryſogonus for her tutor and. director
in the faith, and wheu that holy martyr was apprehend.
ed at Aquileia in the perſecution of Dioclefan, went
thither to comfort him in his chains. It is farther re-
lated, that after ſuffering exquikte tortures, ſhe was
ſentenced by the prefect of Illy ricum to be burnt alive
in go. Her body was removed to Rome, and laid in
the church which ſtill bears her name. Jn this church
the popes anciently ſaid their ſecond maſs on Chriſtmas-
night, or rather that of the morning, whence, a com-
memorgtion of her is made in the fecond mak. The
relicks of St. Anaſtaſia were tranſlated to Conſtantino-
ple in the time of the emperor Leo, and depoſited firſt
the church of Auaſtaſia or the Reſurrection, after-
ward in the patriarchal church of St. Sophia: but were
loft when. that city was taken by the Turks, The Greek
menologies and the! Muſcovite calendars commemorate
our ſaint on the 22d of December, the Roman millal
on the 25th. See on her alſo Nicephorus, Suidas, and
Jol. Aſſemani ad 22 Dec. p. 489.
Another St. -AnasT as14, called the Elder, was
crowned with martyrdom in the perſecution of Valerian;
others think of Nero. See the Acts of St. Chryſoganus,
though of ſmall authority; her Acts in Metaphraſtes are
St. Evoenta, V. M. She ſuffered at Rome under Va-
tcrian about the year 257, and is mentioned by St. Avt
tus, (1) though we have no authentic acts of her ſuffer-
ings, thoſe recited by. Metaphraſtes and Surius deſerving
no notice. She is, alſo mentioned. in the lives of S8.
Protus and Hyacinthus, MM. on the 1 1th of September,
TER | 1 $21
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kg;
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church
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Dec. 26.
D E CE M B E R XXVI.
St. STEPHEN, the Firſt Martyr.
See Act. vi. vit. and Tillemont, T. 2. p. 1. Cave, &c.
Th AT St. Stephen was a Jew is unqueſtionable,
himſelf owning that relation in his apology to the peo-
. But whether he was of Hebrew extraction, and
deſcended of the ſtock of Abraham, or whether he was
of foreign parents incorporated and brought into that
nation by the gate of proſelytiſm, is uncertain. ' The
name Stephen, which ſignifies a crown, is evidently
Greek: but the prieſt Lucian, in the hiſtory of the diſ-
covery of his relicks, and Baſil of Seleucia (1) inform
us, that the name Cheliel, which in modern Hebrew
lignifies a crown, was engraved on his tomb at Ca-
phragamala. (a) It is ae allowed that he was one
of the ſeventy- two diſciples of our Lord; for immedi-
ately after the deſcent of the = Ghoſt we find him
perfectly inſtructed in the law of the goſpel, endowed
with extraordinary meaſures, both of the interior and
exterior gifts of that divine fpirit which was but lately
ſhed upon the church, and incomparably furniſhed with
miraculous powers. The church of Chriſt then increaſed
daily, and was illuſtrious for the ſpirit and 11 of
all virtues, but eſpecially for charity. The faithful liv-
ed and loved one another as brethren, and were of one
heart and one ſoul. Love and charity were the common
foul that animated the whole body of believers,
The rich fold their eſtates to relieve the neceſſities of
poor, and depoſited the money in one common trea-
lury, the care whereof was committed to the apoſtles,
to ſee the diſtribution made as every body's neceſſity re-
quired. Heaven alone is free from all occaſions of of-
(1) Baſil Seleuc. Or. de S. Stephano,
(4) This name is not properly Hebrew, but Syriac, in which lan-
duage Chelil ſignifies a crown, and Chelilael the Crown of God,
dee Jol. Affſemaul, p. 509. 2 n
Vol. XII.
338 8. STEPHEN, M. Dee. 26
fence, and the number of converts being very great,
the Greeks (that is, the Chriſtians of foreign countries,
who were born and brought up in countries which ſpoke
chiefly Greek, or at leaſt were Gentiles by deſcent, though
proſelytes to the Jewiſh religion before they came over
to the faith of Chriſt) murmured againſt the Hebrews,
complaining that their widows were neglected in the
daily miniſtration.” The apoſtles, to provide a ſpeedy
remedy, aſſembled the faithful; and obſerved to them,
that they could not relinquiſh the duties of preaching,
and other ſpiritual functions of the miniſtry to attend to.
the care of tables; and recommended to them the choice
of ſeven men of an unblemiſhed character, full of the
Holy. Ghoſt and wiſdom, who might ſuperintend that
affair, that ſo themſelves might be freed from diſtrac-
tions and incumbrances, the more freely to devote
themſelves without interruption to prayer and«preaching
the goſpel. This propoſal was perfectly agreeable to the
whole aſſembly, who immediately pitched on Stephen,
a man full of faith and the Holy Ghoſt, and Philip,
Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas,
a proſelyte of Antioch, , All theſe names are Greek;
whence ſome think they were choſen among the Greeks,
in order to appeaſe the murmurs that had been raiſed.
But it frequently happened that Hebrews changed their
names into Greek words of a like import, when they
converſed with Greeks and- Romans, to whom ſeveral
names in the Oriental languages ſounded harſh, and were
difficult to pronounce. Stephen is named the firſt of the
deacons, as Peter is of the apoſtles, ſays St. Auſtin. (2)
Hence he is ſtyled by Lucian (3) archdeacon. Theſe
| ſeven were preſented to the apoſtles, who praying, im-
poſed hands upon them, .by which rite they received the
Holy . Ghoſt, to qualify them to become miniſters of
God's holy myſteries, (5) Their ordination was made
(2) S. Aug Serm. 316, ol, 94. de div.
et Trauſlat. S. Stephani, e. 8, 9, &c.
V Some have imagined that the inſtitution of deacons was At
firſt only intended for the diſpenſation of temporals, though that of
the ſacred myſteries was ſoon after committed to them. But the Rs
(3) Lacian. De Ioventione
— +4
„% er. 26. s. STEPHEN, M. 239
by virtue of a commiſſion, either general or particular,
given by Chriſt to his apoſtles for the eſtabliſhment of
inferior miniſters or Levites for the ſervice of the altar.
Whence St. Paul requires almoſt the ſame conditions in
deacons as in biſhops and prieſts, (4) and ſpeaks of their
ſacred miniſtry. St. Ignatius, the diſciple of the apoſ-
tles, orders the faithful to reverence deacons as the
command of God,” (5) and calls them, miniſters of
the myſteries of Jeſus Chriſt.” And again: Mini-
ſters, not of meat and drink, but of the church of
God.“ (6) | |
St. Stephen had the primacy and precedence among
the deacons newly elected by the apoſtles, as St. Chry-
ſoſtom obſerves, and being filled with the Holy Ghoſt,
preached and pleaded the cauſe of chriſtianity with un-
daunted courage, confirming his doctrine by many pub-
lie and unqueſtionable miracles. The number of be-
levers were multiplied in Jeruſalem, and a great multi-
tude even of the prieſts obeyed the faith. The diſtin-
guiſhed zeal and ſucceſs of our holy deacon ſtirred up
the malice and envy of the enemies of the goſpel, who
bent their whole force, and all their malice againſt him.
The conſpiracy was formed by the Libertines, (or ſuch
as had been carried captives to Rome by Pompey, and
(4) 1 Tim. i. 8. (5) & Ign. ep. ad. Send, n J. h 37
(6) Ep. ad Trallian. n. 2. - — E _ 7. P. 3
neral opinion of the church, fathers, and commentators, is, that
the very inſtitution regarded the miniſtry of the altar in the firſt
place, and is clear trom the prayer and impoſition of hands uſed in
their initiation, The holy euchariſt was then received after ſupper,
1 Cor. xi. 18. Acts xx. 7. See Baron. (ad an. 34.) Pearſon, (An-
tal. Pauli, p. 53, 54-) Bingham, (Origines Eccleſ. 3. 2. c. 20.
P. 262. T. 1.) In the primitive ages we find that deacons not only
bad care of the utenſils and ſacred veſſels of the altar, and of the
treaſury, and the oblations of the faithful, but alſo read the goſpel
in ſome churches, (St. Jerom, ep. 57. ad Sabin. and Conſtit. Apoſt
2. e. 57. St. Cypr, ep. 34- al. 39.) and often adminiftered the
holy euchariſt to the people, eſpecially the cup, (S. Cypr. de Lapfis,
1 32. 8. Juſtin, M. ap. 1. ol. 2. p. 97.) though never in the pre-
ence of a prieſt, unleſs by his order. (Conc. Carthag. 4. can. 38.
bey were allowed ſolemnly to baptize, by the biſhop's leave ar,
authority, never without it, (Tert. de Bapt. e. 17. St. Jerom. Dialy
dontra Lucifer, e. 4) K. 10 2 *
Z 2
g. STEPHEN, M. Dec. 26.
349
bad ſince obtained their freedom,) thoſe of Cyrene in
Libya, of Alexandria, Cilicia, and Leſſer Aſia, who had
each a diſtinct ſynagogue at Jeruſalem. At firft they
undertook. to diſpute with St. Stephen; but finding
themſelves unequal to the tatk, and unable to reſiſt the
wiſdom and ſpirit with which he tpoke, they ſuborned
falſe witneſſes to charge him with blatphemy againſt
Moſes and againſt God, The indictment was laid againſt
bim in the Sanhedrim, and the faint was hawled thither,
After the charge was read, Caiphas the high-prieft or-
dered him to make his defence. The main point urged
againſt him was, that he affirmed that the temple would
be deftroyed, that the Moſaic ſacrifices were but ſha-
dows and types, and were no longer acceptable to God,
Jeſus of Nazareth having put an end to them. It pleal-
ed God to diffuſe an heavenly beauty and a ſhining
brightneſs on the ſaint's face whilſt he ſtood before the
council, fo that to all that were preſent it ſeemed as if
it had been the countenance of an angel. According to
the licence given him by the high-prieſt to ſpeak for him-
ſelf, he made his apology, but in ſuch a manner as bold-
ly to preach Jeſus Chriſt in the Sanhedrim itſelf. He
ſhewed that Abraham, the father and founder of their
nation, was juſtified, and received the greateſt favours
of God without the temple: that Moſes was commanded
to erect a tabernacle, but foretold a new law and the
Meſhah : that Solomon built the temple, but it was not
to be imagined that God was confined in houſes made
by hands, and that the temple and the Moſaic law were
temporary miniſtrations, and were to give place when
God introduced more excellent inſtitutions. The mar-
tyr added, that this he had done by ſending the Meſſiah
himſelf; but that they were like their anceſtors, a ſtiff-
necked generation, circumciſed in , but not in heart,
and always refiſting the Holy Ghoſt : and that as their
fathers had perſecuted and ſlain many of the prophets
who foretold che Chriſt, ſo they had betrayed and mur-
dered Him in perſon, and though they had received the
hw by the miniſtry of angels, they had not obſerved it,
© "This ſtinging reproach touched them to the quick,
and kindled them into a rage, gnaſhing with their teeth
\
c. 26, Dec. 26. S. STEPHEN, M. 341
e in at the holy martyr, and expreſſing all the ſymptoms of
o had unbridled paſſion. The ſaint not heeding fiat was done
they below, had his eyes and heart fixed on higher objects,
ding and being full of the Holy Ghoſt, and looking up ſted-
ſt the faſtly to the heavens, ſaw thera opened, and beheld his
orned divine Saviour ſtanding at the right hand of his Father,
gainſt appearing by that poſture ready to protect, receive, and
gainſt crown his ſervant. With this viſion the faint was in-
nther, expreſſibly raviſned, his foul was infpired with new cou-
ſt or- rage, and a longing to arrive at that bliſs, a glimpſe of
— which was ſhewn him. His heart overflowed with joy,
Wou
and in an ecſtaſy, not being able to forbear expreſſing
t ſha- his happineſs in the very midſt of his enemies, he aid:
God, Bebold, I ſee the heavens opened, and the Son of mas
pleal- Landing at the right-hand of God. Thus divine conſo-
nining lations are then neareſt to us, when human fuecours are
re the fartheſt from us; but on ſuch occaſions we muſt cleave
as if to God with confidence, and a perfect difengagement of
ling to heart from earthly things. If we ſtill hold to them by
the leaſt twig, we have not perfectly attained to the dif
s bold- poſitions of the ſaints. ' The Jews became more hard-
ened and enraged by hearing the ſaint's declaration of
this viſion, and calling him a blaſphemer, reſolved npon
avours his death without any further proceſs. In the fury of
nanded their blind zeal they ftaid not for a judicial ſentence, nor
nd the for the warrant of the Roman governor, without which
as not no one could at that time be legally put to death
s made amongſt them. But ſtopping their ears againſt his ſup-
W Were poſed blafphemies, they with great clamour rafhed up-
on him, furiouſly hawled him out of the city, and with
1e mar- a tempeſt of ſtones ſatiated their rage agaiaſt him. The
Meſliah witneſſes, Wo according to the Levitical law, were to
begin the execution in all capital caſes, (7) threw their
n heart, clothes at the feet of Saul, who thus partook of their
cnme. (8) In the mean time the holy martyr prayed,
xrophets laying : Lord Jeſus, receive my ſpirit. And falling on
is knees, he cried with a loud voice, and the greateſt
earneſtneſs: Lord, lay not this fin to their charge. When
he had ſaid this he fell aſleep in the Lord. This, word
is uled by the Holy Ghoſt elegantly to expreſs the ſweet-
(7) Deut. xvii. 7. (8) Acts xxii. 20. and vii. 57.
— —
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242 S. STEPHEN, M. Dec. 26.
neſs of the death of the juſt, which is to them a reſt
after the toils of this painful life, a ſecure harbour after
the dangers of this mortal pilgrimage, and the gate to
eternal life. St. Auſtin and other Richers doubt not but
the eminent converſion of St. Paul was the fruit of the
dying groans and prayer of this martyr, and is a proof
of his great intereſt in heaven. (9) The edification and
manifold advantages which the church received from
the martyrdom of this great and holy man compenſated
the loſs which it ſuſtained in him. Certain devout men
took order to inter him in a decent manner, and made
great mourning over him, though ſuch a death was his
own moſt glorious triumph, and unparalleled gain. The
prieſt Lucian, who recounts the manner of the mira-
culous diſcovery of his relicks in the fifth century, in-
forms us, that they were depoſited about twenty miles
from Jeruſalem, by the direction of Gamaliel, and at
his expence. (10) St. Stephen ſeems to have ſuffered
toward the end of the ſame year in which Chriſt was
crucified. (c) |
In the whole life of our divine Redeemer we have the
molt perfect pattern of meekneſs. During his miniſtry
he meekly bore with the weakneſs, ignorance and pre-
judices of ſome; with the perverſeneſs, envy, and ma-
lice of others ; with the ingratitude of friends, and the
pride and inſolence of enemies. How affecting is the
moſt patient ſilence which he held in the courts of un-
Juſt judges, and through the whole courſe of his paſſion:
How did he confirm this example which he had given
us by ſpending his laſt breath in fervent prayer for his
murderers! With what ardour and aſſiduity did he pres
upon us the practice of this virtue of meekneſs, and in-
culcate its indiſpenſable obligation and unſpeakable ad-
vantage ! St. Stephen inherited more perfectly this ſpirit
in proportion as he was more abundantly repleniſhed
(9) 8. Aug. Serm. 382, (10) See an the 3d of Auguſt.
e It is expreſsly affirmed in the chronological collections pub-
liſhed by Scaliger with Euſebius's chronicle, that St. Stepben's mar.
tyrdom happened that year, on the 26th of December. And that
this was Euſebius's opinion, ſee Valeſius, Anpot. in Euſ. Hiſt. |. 4.
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Dec. af 8. DIONYSIUS, Pope, c 343
with the Holy Ghoſt. No one who is paſſionate, unſor-
giving, and revengeful can be a follower of the meek
and humble Jeſus. In vain do ſuch aſſume to themſelves
the honour of bearing his name. In charity, meekneſs,
and humility conſiſts the very ſpirit of chriſtianity ; and
ſcarce any thing diſhonours religion more than the pre-
valence of the oppoſite ſpirit in thoſe who make a pro-
feſſion of piety.
Ox THe $same DA x.
St. Droxvs ius, Pope, C. Dionyſius was a prieſt of
the church of Rome, under the pontificates of Stephen
and Sixtus II. The latter having received the crown of
martyrdom under Valerian, on the 6th of Auguſt, 258,
through the violence of the perſecution the holy ſee con-
tinued vacant almoſt a year, till our ſaint was choſen
pope on the ad of July, 259. St. Dionyſius of Alex-
andria ſtyles him an-admirable man, and a perſon emi-
nently learned. St. Baſil wonderfully extols his charity,
which he extended to the moſt remote provinces of the
empire, When the Goths had plundered Cæſarea, the
capital of Cappadocia, and carried away moſt of its in-
habitants into captivity, the good pope wrote to that
city a letter of comfort, and ſent meſſengers with large
ſums of money to ranſom the captives. (1) Our faint.
condemned Sabellius, &c. in a council at Rome, and
afterwards confuted the blaſphemies of Paul of Samo-
lata. (2) St. Athanaſius and St. Baſil made uſe of his
elegant writings to prove the divinity of the Son, and
the latter alſo that of the Holy Ghoſt. (3) St. Athana-
bus teſtifies, that the three hundred fathers at Nice, in
2 the catholic faith. uſed no new expreſſions,
but thoſe which they received from the foregoing
paſtors of God's church, copying particularly thoſe of
Dionyſius of Rome, and his nameſake of Alexandria.
(4) This holy pope died on the 26th of December,
n 269. See Euſ. J. 7. c. 5, 7. S. Athan. Ceillier,
3. P. 327. | | —
(1) 8. Baſ. ep. 220. (2) See 8. Athan. 1. de Synodis, & l. De
ſententiz Dionyf. &. (3) S. Baſil, 1. De Spir. Sancto, c. 2
4) 8 Athan. de Synodis, 5 79% . J It
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344 S. JAR LAT E, B. c. Der. 26
St. JaRLATH, firſt Biſhop of Tuam in Ireland, C.
He flouriſhed about the beginning of the ſixth century,
and is not to be confounded with Jarlath, archbiſhop of
Armagh, who was a diſciple of St. Patrick, an Ulſter-
man and the fon of Trien. Our St. Jarlath was a Con-
naught-man, of the family of Cormac, and was edu-
- cated from his youth under Binen or Benignus, archbi-
ſhop of Armagh, by whom he was promoted to holy
Orders. Leaving this great maſter he retired to Cluain-
fois, (fo called from Cluain, a retreat or a lurking place,
and Fos, a dwelling, or Fois, leiſure,) a folitary place in
Conmacne, now in the county of Galway, near Tuam.
Here he founded a monaſtery which retained this name,
and is now a chapel within the pariſh of Tuam, In
this monaſtery St. Jarlath opened a famous ſchool, to
which numbers flocked for education in piety and learn-
mg, among whom the great St. Brendan abbot of Clon-
fert, and St. Colman firſt biſhop of Cluain-uamha, or
Cloyne, laid the foundation of their eminent virtue un-
der the diſcipline of St. Jarlath. Our ſaint was called
from this employment to be conſecrated firſt biſhop of
Tuam, anciently called Tuaim- da-Gualan, which church
was afterward dedicated in his memory, and called Tem-
pull-Jarlaith, 'or Jarlaith's church. He died full of days
on the 26th. of December, about the year 540. His
bones were afterward placed in a filver ſhrine, and de-
poſited in a church at Tuam, called from thence Tem-
pull-na-ſcrin, that is, church of the ſhrine. His chief
feſtival was kept at Tuam on the 6th of June, the day
of the tranſlation of his relicks.
Some - biſhops of this ſee were ſtiled metropolitans,
and archbiſhops of Connaught. At length it was regu-
larly erected into an archbiſhopric, with the conceſſion
of a pall in 1152. Two other ſees were afterward
united to this of Tuam, 1. that of Enaghdune, re-
daced to a pariſh under Tuam by an union of the ſees
in the fourteenth century; and 2. that of Mayo
founded by St. Gerald, an Engliſnh- Saxon, who accom-
ied St. Colman from Lindisfarne into Ireland. St.
olman erected a monaſtery at Mayo for his Engliſh-
Saxon followers, called from them Mayo-na · Saſſon, i. e.
Dec. 27. S. JO HN, Evangeliſt: 245
Mayo of the Saxons. St. Gerald, who is honoured on
the 1 3th of March, enlarged this monaſtery, and erect-
ed it into a biſhopric about the year 685. (See Colgan
Act. p. 599.) The ſee of Mayo was united to Tuam
in 1560, On St. Jarlath, ſee Ware, p. 602. Uſher's
Prim. p. 994. Colgan in MSS, |
DE CE. MB BX. AVI.
St. JO'H N the Apoſtle and Evangeliſt.
See Tillemont, T. 1. p. 330. Calmet, T. 7. & 8. Ceillier, T. 1.
p. 364. Reading, &c. + 2
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Ir. Joux the Evangeliſt, who is ſtyled in the goſpel,
The beloved diſciple of Chriſt, and is called by the Greeks
The Divine, was a Galilzan, the Son of Zebedee and
Salome, and younger brother to St. James the Great,
with whom he was brought up to. the trade of fiſhin
From his acquaintance with the high-prieſt Caiphas, St.
Jerom infef$. that he was a gentleman by birth: but the
meanneſs of his father's trade, and the privacy of his
fortune ſufficiently prove that his birth could not much
diſtinguiſh him in the world, neither could his education
give him any tincture of ſecular learning. His acquaint»
ance with the high-prieſt, may be placed to ſome other
account. Nicephorus Calixtius, a modern Greek hiſto-
nan of the fourteenth century (in whom amidſt much
rubbiſh ſeveral curious anecdotes are found), ſays, we
know not upon what authority, that St. John had ſold a
olitans, paternal eſtate to Annas, father-in-law to Caiphas, a
; regu- little before the death of our Lord. Before his coming
ceſſion to Chriſt he ſeems to have been a diſciple to John the
erward MW baptiſt, ſeveral thinking him to have been that other
ne, re- diſciple that was with St. Andrew, when they left the
he ſees Baptiſt to follow our Saviour; (1) fo particularly does
Mayo our Evangeliſt relate all the circumſtances, through mo-
accom - deſty concealing his own name, as in other parts of his
d. St. Pipe. He was properly called to be a diſciple of our
| rd, with his brother James, as they were mending
MN, 1. e. (1) John i. 37. S. Chryſ. hom. 17, in Joan. S. Epiph. bar, g1. ;
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346 S..JOH N, Erangelift.
their nets (2) on the ſame day, and ſoon after Jeſus had
called Peter and Andrew. Theſe two brothers conti-
nued ſti}! to follow their profeſſion, but upon ſeeing the
miraculous draught of fiſhes, they left all things to at-
tach themſelves more cloſely to him. (3) Chriſt gave
them the ſurname of Boanerges, or ſons of thunder, (4)
To expreſs the * and activity of their faith in pub-
liſning the law of God, without fearing the power of
man. This epithet has been particularly applied to St.
John who was truly a voice of thunder. in proclaiming
aloud. the moſt ſublime myſteries of the divinity of
Chriſt, He is ſaid to have been the youngeſt of all the
apoſtles, probably about rwenty-five years of age when
he was called by Chriſt ; for he lived ſeventy years after
the ſuffering of his divine maſter. Piety, wiſdom and
prudence equalled him in his youth to thoſe who with
their gray hairs had been long exerciſed in the practice
and experience of virtue: and by a pure and blamelels
life he was honourable in the world. Our divine Re-
deemer had a particular affection for him akpve the reſt
of the apoſtles; inſomuch that when St. John ſpeaks of
himſelf, he ſ:ith, that he was The diſciple whom Jeſus
loved; and frequently he mentions himſelf by this only
charaQeriſtic ; which he did not out of pride to diſtin-
guiſh himſelf, but out of gratitude and tender love for
his bleſſed Maſter. - Humility ſuffered him not to men-
tion any of his other great privileges; but tendernels
and love made him never forget, but on every occaſion
to repeat this title which was the ſtrongeſt motive to in-
flame his own love of his Saviour who without any me-
rit on his ſide, had prevented him by ſuch diſtinguiſhing
love. If we enquire into the cauſes of this particular
love of Chriſt toward him, which was not blind or un-
reaſonable, the firſt was doubtleſs, as St. Auſtin obſerves,
the love which this diſciple bore him : ſecondly, his
meekneſs and peaceable diſpoſition, by which he was
extremely like Chriſt himſelf : thirdly, his virginal pu-
rity. -- For St. Auſtin tells us (5) that, © The ſingular
privilege of his chaſtity rendered him worthy © the
(2) Mat. iv. 2. (3) Luke v. 11. (4) Mark itt. 17.
(5) S. Aug. Hom. 124. in Joan.
Dec. 27,
Dec.
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Dec. 27. S. JOH N, Evangelift, 347
more particular love of Chriſt, becauſe being choſen by
him a virgin he always remained ſuch.” St. Jerom
ſticks not to call all his other privileges and graces the
recompence of his chaſtity, eſpecially that which our
Lord did him by recommending in his laſt moments his
virgin mother to the care of this virgin diſciple. (6) St.
Ambroſe, St. Chryſoſtom, St. Epiphanius, and other fa-
thers frequently make the ſame reflection. Chriſt was
pleaſed to chooſe a virgin for his mother, a virgin for his
precurſor, and a virgin for his favourite diſciple : arid
his church ſuffers only thoſe who live perfectly chaſte to
ſerve him in his prieſthood, where they daily touch and
offer his virginal fleſh on his holy altar. In heaven vir-
gins follow the ſpotleſs Lamb wherever he goes. (5)
Who then can doubt but purity is the darling virtue of
Jeſus ? who feeds amongſt the lilies (8) of untarniſhed
chaſtity. For he who loves purity of heart, will have the
king bis friend. (g) Another motive of the preference
which Jeſus gave to this apoſtle in his intimacy and pre-
dilection, was his perfect innocence and fimplicity with-
out guile in his youth, Virtue in that age has peculiar
charms to Chriſt, and is always a ſeed oi extraordinary
graces and bleſſings. Dir: |
The love which Jeſus bears is never barren. Of this
his ſufferings and death are the ſtrongeſt proof. As St.
John had the happineſs to be diſtinguiſhed by Chriſt in
his holy love, ſo was he alſo in its glorious effects.
Though theſe principally conſiſted in the treaſure of in-
tenor graces and virtues, exterior tokens, helps and
comforts were not wanting. This appears from the fa-
miliarity and intimacy with which his divine maſter fa.
voured him above the reſt of the apoſtles. Chriſt would
bare him with Peter and James privy to his Transfigu-
ration, and to his agony in the garden; and he ſhewed
St. John particular inſtances of kindneſs and affection
above all the reſt, Witneſs this apoſtle's lying in our
Saviour's boſom at the laſt ſupper; it being then the
cuſtom among the Jews often to lie along upon couches
at meals fo that one might lean his head upon the bo-
(6) St. Hier. I. 1. 5 inian. c. 14. Apoc. xir.
(8) Cant. ier. Ws ws | 14 (7) Apoc. xiv.” 4.
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348 S. JOHN, Evangelift. Dec. 27,
ſom of him that lay before him; which honour Chriſt
allowed St. John. (10) No tongue certainly can expreſs
the ſweetneſs and ardour of the holy love which our faint
on that occaſion drew from the divine breaſt of our
Lord, which was the true furnace of pure and holy love,
St. John repeats this circumſtance ſeveral times in his
goſpel to ſhew-its importance, and his grateful remem-
brance. Every devout perſon in ſome ſenſe is admitted
to a like favour, when in heavenly contemplation he
ſhuts his corporeal eyes to all viſible things, and opens
thoſe of his ſoul to the inviſible, When his exterior
ſenſes remain as it were aſleep and dead, his interior
powers are awakened and quickened, he contemplates
the bottomleſs abyſs of the divine love, and drinks plen-
tifully of that fountain of life. We diſcover in the holy
{criptures a cloſe particular friendſhip between St. John
and St. Peter, which was doubtleſs founded in the ar-
dour of their love and zeal for their divine Maſter,
When St. Peter durſt not, as it ſeems, ſays St. Jerom,
propound the queſtion to our Lord, who it was that
thould betray him, he by ſigns deſired St. John to do it,
whoſe famiharity with Chriſt allowed him more eabily
ſuch a liberty: and our Lord gave him to underſtand
that Judas was the wretch, though, at leaſt except St.
2 none that were preſent ſeem to have underſtood
is anſwer, which was only given by the ſignal of the
traitor's dipping a morſel of bread with him in the diſh.
St. Chry ſoſtom ſays, that when our Lord was appre-
hended, and the other apoſtles fled, St. John never for-
ſook him. Several other ancients believe that he was
that young man who followed Jeſus with a linen cloth
caſt about his naked body; by the looſeneſs of which he
diſengaged himſelf from the officers who otherwiſe would
| have laid hold of him, had he not made his eſcape by
flying away naked. Some interpreters ſuppoſe, this |!
nzn garment to have been a night veſt which it might
be cuſtomary to wear at ſupper, and in the night, it be-
iog then night. However, if this was St. John, be
ſoon followed 2 again; and many imagine that he
was the diſciple who being known to the high prieſt,
(10) John Xii. 25. |
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Dec. 27. S. JOHN, Evangeliſt. 340
got Peter admitted by the ſervants into the court of
Caiphas.
Our ſaint ſeems to have accompanied Chriſt through
all his ſufferings ; at leaſt he attended him during his
crucifixion, ſtanding, under his croſs, owning him in the
midſt of arms and guards, and in the thickeſt crouds of
his implacable enemies. Here it was that our Lord de-
clared the aſſurance he had of this diſciple's affection
and fidelity, by recommending with his dying words,
his holy mother to his care; giving him the charge to
love, honour, comfort and provide for her with that du-
tifulneſs and attention which the character of the beſt
and moſt indulgent mother challenges from an obedient
and loving fon. What more honourable teſtimony could
Chriſt have given him of his confidence, regard and af-
ſection than this charge? Accordingly St. John took
her to his home, and ever after made her a principal
part of his care, Chriſt had at the ſame time given her
to St. John for his mother, ſaying to her: Woman, be-
bold thy Jon. Our Lord diſdained not to call us all bre-
thren, as St. Paul obſerves. And he recommended us
all as ſuch to the maternal care of his own mother : but
amongſt theſe adoptive ſons St. John is the firſt-born.
To him alone was given this ſpecial privilege: of being
treated by her as if ſhe had been his natural mother,
and of reciprocally treating her as ſuch by reſpectfully
bonouring, ſerving, and afliſting her in perſon. This
was the recompence-of his conſtancy and fervour in his
dirine Maſter's ſervice and love. This holy apoſtle
though full of inexpreſlible grief for the death of his di-
vine Maſter, yet left not the croſs, and faw his fide
opened with a ſpear; was attentive to the whole my{-
(ery, and ſaw the blood and water iſſue from the wound,
of which he bore record. It is believed that he was pre-
ſent at the taking down of our Lord's body from the
croſs, and helped to preſent it to his moſt blefſed mother,
and afterward to lay it in the ſepulchre, watering it
wih abundance of tears, and kiſſing it with'extraordi-
nary devotion and tenderneſs. He may be ſaid to have
it his heart with it ; for his ſoul was more where it
bred than where it lived. - r NR
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Dec. 27
359 S. JOHN, Evangelift,
When Mary Magdalen and other devout women
brought word that they had not found Chriſt's body in
the ſepulchre, Peter and John ran immediately thither,
and John who was younger and more nimble, running
faſter, arrived firſt at the place. Some few days after
this, St. John went a fiſhing in the lake of Tiberias,
with other diſciples ; and Jeſus appeared on the ſhore in
a diſguiſed form. St. John directed by the inſtinct of
love, knew him, and gave notice to Peter: they all
dined with him on the ſhore; and when dinner was end-
ed, Chrift walked along the ſhore queſtioning Peter
about the ſincerity of his love, gave him the charge of
his church, and foretold his martyrdom. St. Peter ſee-
ing St. John walk behind, and being ſolicitous for his
friend, aſked Jeſus what would become of him; ſup-
poling that as Chriſt teſtified a particular love for him,
he would ſhew him ſome extraordinary favour. Chriſt
checked his curioſity, by telling him that it was not his
buſineſs if he ſhould prolong John's life till he ſhould
come; which moſt underſtand of his coming to deſtroy
Jeruſalem; an epoch which St. John ſurvived. Some of
the diſciples, however, miſapprehended this anſwer ſo
far as to infer that St. John would remain in the body
till Chriſt ſhall come to judge the world: though St.
John has taken care in his goſpel to tell us that no ſuch
thing was meant. After Chriſt's aſcenſion, we find
theſe two zealous apoſtles going up to the temple, and
miraculouſly healing a poor cripple. Our two apoltles
were impriſoned, but releaſed again with an order no
more to preach Chriſt, but no threats daunted their
courage. (11) They were ſent by the college of thc
apoſtles to confirm the converts which Philip the Deacon
had made in Samaria. (12) St. John was again appfe.
hended by the Jews with the reſt of the apoſtles, and
ſcourged ; but they went from the council rejoicing that
they. were accounted worthy to ſuffer for the name 0
Jeſus. (13) When St. Paul went up to Jeruſalem three
years after his converſion, he ſaw there only St. Fete!
and St. James the Leſs, St. John being probably abſent.
But St. Paul going thither in the fourteenth year alter
(12) Acts viii. 14. (13) Ads v. 4“,
(11) AQts iv. 19.
Dec.
his CC
be pi
conta1
Abou
the a
Clem
tende
lion |
John
ſtrife
c. 27.
omen
dy in
Uther,
nning
after
)erias,
ore in
n& of
ey all
s end-
Peter
rge of
er ſee-
for his
, fup-
xr him,
d their
| of the
Deacon
appſc-
les, and
ing that
1ame 0
m three
St. Peter
/ abſent.
ear after
v. 41.
Dec. 27+ 8. J O H N, Evangeliſt. 351
his converſion, addreſſed himſelf to thoſe who ſeemed to
be pillars of the church, chiefly Peter and John who
confirmed to him his miſſion among the infidels. (14)
About that time St. John aſſiſted at the council which
the apoſtles held at Jeruſalem in the year 51. For St.
Clement of Alexandria tells us that al the apoſtles at-
tended in it. That father fays, that Chriſt at his aſcen-
hon preferred St. Peter, St. James the Leſs, and St.
john to the reſt of the apoſtles, though there was no
knte or preeminence amongſt any in that ſacred college,
and this St. James was choſen biſhop of Jeruſalem. St.
Clement adds, that our Lord particularly inſtructed
theſe three apoſtles in many facred myfteries, and that
_ wy - the apoſtles received much holy ſcience from
mem. 15 N
St. John ſeems to have remained chiefly at Jeruſalem
for a long time, though he ſometimes preached abroad.
Parthia is ſaid to have been the chief ſcene of his apoſ-
tolical labours. St. Auſtin ſometimes quotes his firſt
epiſtle under the title of his epiſtle to the Parthians :
(16) and by a title then prefixed to it in ſome copies it
kems to have been addreſſed to the Jews that were diſ-
perſed through the provinces of the Parthian empire.
Certain late miſſionaries in the Eaſt Indies aſſure us that
the inhabitants of Baſſora, a city upon the mouth of the
Tigris and Euphrates, on the Perſian gulph, affirm, by
a tradition received from their anceſtors, that St. John
planted the chriſtian faith in their country. He came to'
ſruſalem in the year 62 to meet the reſt of the apoſtles
"wo were then living, when they. choſe in council St.
dmeon biſhop of that church after the martyrdom of
St. James the Leſs. (17) It ſeems to have been after
the death of the Blefled Virgin that St. John viſited
Leſler Aſia, making thoſe parts his peculiar care, and
reliding at Epheſus, the capital of that country. lt is
_ that he was not come thither in 64, when St. Paul
ct St. Timothy biſhop. of that city. St. Irenæus tells
5, (18) that he did not ſettle there till after the death
; (14) Gal. ii. 9. Acts xv. (15) Clem. Alex. ap. Euſ. biſt.-1. 2.
(14) 2: % ed. Cantabr, (16) St. Aug: Queſt. Eyang, J 3, c. 39.
7) Lul, J. 3 C. 11. p. 105. (18) St. Iren. l. 3. C. 3. :
——_. - - — #- was Sq - y+ FI. © * - Ta
CFT
5 LY
? Cx <—F
—
r
2
Si
=
x
2
9
7
8
2
*
_ 8. J O H N, Evangeliſt.
Dec, 27.
of SS. Peter and Paul. St. Timothy continued ſtill bi-
ſhop of Epheſus till his martyrdom in 97. But the
apoſtolical authority of St. John was univerſal and ſupe.
rior, and the charity and humility of theſe two holy
men prevented all differences upon account of their ju-
riſdiction. St. John preached.in other parts, and took
care of all the churches of Aſia, which, St. Jerom (19)
ſays, he founded and governed. Tertullian adds (20)
that he placed biſhops in all that country ; by which we
are to underſtand that he confirmed and governed thoſe
which SS. Peter and Paul had eſtabliſhed, and appointed
others in many other churches which he founded. It is
even probable that in the courſe of his long life he put
biſhops into all the churches of Aſia: for while the
apoſtles lived they. ſupplied the churches with biſhops of
their own appointing, by the guidance of the Holy
Ghoſt, and by virtue of their commiſſion ta plant the
church. | |
St. John, in his extreme old age, continued often to
viſit the churches of Afia, and ſometimes undertook
Journeys to aſſume to the ſacred miniſtry a ſingle perſon
whom the Holy Ghoſt had marked out to him. (21)
Apollonius, not the Roman ſenator, apologiſt and mar-
tyr, but a Greek father who wrote againſt the Monta-
niſts, and confuted their pretended prophecies ſtep by
ſtep, about the year 192, aſſures us, that St. John rail-
ed a dead man to life at Epheſus. (22) A certain prieſt
of Aſia having been convicted of writing a fabulous ac-
count of the voyages of St. Paul and St. Thecla, in defence
and honour of that apoſtle, was depoſed by St. John.
(23) St. Epiphanius affirms, that St. John was carried
into Aſia by the ſpecial direction of the Holy Ghoſt, to
oppoſe the hereſies of Ebion and Cerinthus. The for-
mer of theſe ſoon after the deſtruction of Jeruſalem,
whilſt the Chriſtians who had fled from that city, fe-
ſided at Pella, taught at Kacerta in that neighbourhood
of which be was a native, that Chriſt was created like
qne of the angels, but greater than the reſt : that he was
_. (19) St. Hier. in Catal. c. 9. | (20) Tert. l. 4. cont. Marcion.
C. 3 (21) Euſ. L 3. c. 2 - (22) Apollon. ap. Eul. hiſt. I. 5
C. 's © (a3) Tent, de baptiſmo, c. 17, St. Hier. in Catal.
Jec. 27.
till bi-
ut the
d ſupe-
o holy
elr ju-
d took
m (19)
ds (20)
nch we
d thoſe
pointed
WW
he put
ile the
10ps of
> Holy
ant the
often to
lertook
perſon
m. (21)
d mar-
Monta-
ſtep by
hn rail-
n prieſt
ous ac-
defence
+ John.
carried
10ſt, to
he for-
uſalem,
ity, re-
zur
ted like
he was
Marcion.
viſt. I. 5
al.
Dee. 27. S. JOHN, Evangeliſt. 353
conceived and born in the natural way, and choſen to
be the Son of God by the Holy Ghoſt deſcending upon
him in the form of a dove. He pretended that the legal
ceremonies were neceſſarily to be obſerved with the goſ-
pel, and he mutilated the goſpel of St. Matthew. (24)
Cerinthus raiſed great diſturbances in obſtinately de-
fending an obligation of circumciſion, and of abſtaining
from unclean meats, in the New Law, and in extolling
the angels, as the authors of nature, before St. Paul
wrote his epiſtles to the Coloſſians, &c. About the
time of the deſtruction of Jeruſalem, he framed his he-
retical ſyſtem ſojas to make it akin to that of Ebion.
St. Irenæus and Tertullian inform us, that he pretended
the world was not ereated by God, but by a certain vir-
tue, quite diſtinct, without his knowledge; that the
God of the Jews was only an angel; that Jeſus was born
of Joſeph and Mary like other men, but ſurpaſſed others
in virtue and wiſdom; that the Holy: Ghoſt deſcended
upon him after his baptiſm: in the likeneſs of a dove;
and that che had manifeſted his Father to the world who
was before unknown. He was the firſt author of the
dream; that Chriſt fled; away at the time of the paſſion,
and that Jeſus alone ſuffered and roſe! again, Chriſt con-
tinunng always immortal and impaſſible. St. lrenæus
(25) relates, that St. John, who ordinarily never made
uſe of a hath, went to bathe on ſome extraordinary oc-
caſion, but underſtanding that Cerinthus was withim,
ſtarted back, and ſaid to ſome: friends that were with
him : 4. Let us, my brethren, make haſte and be gone,
leſt the-bath, wherein is Cerinthus the enemy 4 the
Truth, mould fall upon our heads Dr. Conyers Mid-
dleton, in his paſthumous works, pretends this anecdote
muſt, be falſe, becauſe inconſiſtent wich this apoſtle's ex-
traordinary meekneſs. But St. Irenæus tells us, he re-
ceived this account from the very mouth o St. Polycarp:
St, John's diiciple, whoſe behaviour to Marcio is an in-
ſtance of the ſame: ſpirit. This great! apoſtle would
teach his lock ta beware of | the (converſation- bf: thoſe
p24) Sexe St. lrenaus, Tertullian, St. Epiphanius St. jerom,
ury, bra. n. 42. (251 St. Iren. I. 3. e N Ege.
b. 123, ed. Cantabr. eee
Vol., XII. 118
A
5
*
V
5
1
-
=
*
2
—
Re —" =” 3 > <>
a ln ti AE SEE:
384 8. 10 HN, | Evangeliſt. Dec. 24,
ho wilfulty: corrupted; the ruth of religion, and by
[their ininaring ſpecches endeavoured to ſeduce others,
This maxim be incuſcates in his ſecond epiſtle, (26)
but this precaution was reſtrained to the authors of the
peſtilenual: ſeduttion. Nevertheleſa, the very charac-
teriſtic of St. John was umverfab meekneſs and chari
gowards' all the: world. But toward himfelf he was al.
ways moſt ſevere; and St. Epiphanius tells us, that he
never wore any clothes but a tunic and a linen garment,
and nevet cat fleſh; and that his way of ' tiving! was not
-valike that of St. James biſhop» of ſeruſalem, who was
memarkable for auſterity and tnortiflcation. (29)
n the ſecond general perſecution in the year g, $t.
John was, apprehended by the proconſul of Aſia, and
1ent!ito Rome, where he was miraculbufly preſerved
from death uhen thrown into a cauldron of bh ng oll.
:{28)- On acoount of this trial the title of cart yr is giv-
en him by the gathers, who ay, that thus was fulfilled
hat Chriſt had. foretohl im, that he! ſhould drin of
chis cup. (29) Fbeidolaters who pretended to getount
for fach-miracles by forcery, blinded themſelves to this
evidence; and the: tyrant. Domian baniſhed St. John
into the ile of Patmos, one of the Sporades in the 'Ar-
chiprlago lu this retirement the apoſtle was fayoured
with thoſe heavenly viſions which he has recorded in the
nonicab honk of the Revelations or of the Apocalypſe:
they: wert manifeſted to him on à Suüday in the yeit
95. The farlt three chapters are evidently a prophetic
anſtruction given o ſeven neighbouring churches of Ali
Minor; and to the biſhops wW]]] ed them. | The
three laſt chapters celebrate the triumph of Chriſt, the
judgment and reward of his faints. The intermediate
chapter are valiouſly expounded, either of the imme-
diate praludes ef the laſt judgment, or with abbè Che-
tarche of the. whole intermecliate time from Chriſt to the
end of the world; or with Roſſuet, Calmet and many
others, of the tts general perſoontions and the Roman
tmn ret tlie triumph of tha church by the victory of
D zJobn/20.. (27) St. Epiph. her. 30 (38) Tert. Pre;
35. . Aug. & St. Hier. 6 Mat- XI. 23. dee
: 2 L July XV p. 353. 15 on 1G) 44 7
Dec. 29, 8. 0 HAN, Evangelif. 4355
Conſtantine over Lacinius, upon which ſyſtem whatever
author is read, the maſterly ſtrokes with which Boſſuet
has illuſtrated his commentary, ought not to be paſſed
over. By theſe viſions God gave St. John a proſpect. of
the future ſtate of the church. His exile was not of
long continuance. For Domitian being flain in Sep-
tember in 96, all his edicts and publie acts were declar-
ed void by a deeree of the ſenate on account of his ex-
ceſſive oruelty; and his ſucceſſor Nerva recalled all thoſe
whom he had baniſned. St. John therefore returned to
Epheſus in 97), where he found that St. Timothy had
been crow ned with martyrdom on the preceding 22d of
January. The! apoſtle was obliged by the preſſing in-
reaties of the whole flock to take upon him the particu-
lar government of that church, which he held till the
reign- of Trajan. St, John in "imitation of the high
prieſt of the Jews; wore a plate of gold upon his fore-
head, as an enfign bf his chriſtian prieſthood, as Poly-
cats: infortnis us (30) St. Epiphanius relates the ſame
of St. James the woot Jeruſalem, (31) and the au-
thor of the hiſtory of the martyrdom of St. Mark the
Evangeliſt attributes to him the ſame ornament. St.
John celebrated the Chriſtian Paſch on the 14th day of
the moon, agreeing a to time with the:Jewiſh paſſover ;
(32) but was ſa fat from holding the-Jewiſh rites of ob-
ligation in the New Law that he condemned that herefy
in the Nazarites, and in Ebion and Cerinthus. As his
apoſtolic labours were chiefly: beſtowed the Jews,
he judged ſuch/a conformity, which was then allowable,
conducive to theit converſio nnn 19 mt
The ancient fathers inform us, (44) that it was prin»
cpally to confute the blaſphemies of Ebion and Cerin ·
tus who denied the divinity of Chriſt, and even his
to · exiſtence before his temporal birth, that St. Joha
compoſed his goſpel. Another reaſon was, to ſupply
can. omiſſions of the other three goſpels, which he
(30) Polycr. zul hiſt. I. f. e. 243. ed. Cant. Ses
. Vai, 16. - (3 32 E n. 1 — & ber. 78.
(32) St. Irenaus, 1. 3. o. 12. Polycrates, ap. Euſ. l. 5 C. 24.
13) Be Chryſ. in Gal. c. 1. Clem. Alas ap. EuC I. 6. c. 14 St.
in Cat, & Prol. in Matt. = | 7
a 2
S. JOHN. Evangelift. Dec. 27,
356
— confirmed by his approbation. (24) He there-
fore principally inſiſts on the actions of Chriſt from the
commencing of his miniſtry to the death of the Baptiſt,
u herein the others were ſparing; and he largely records
his diſcourſes, mentioning {ewer miracles, It being bis
principal aim toi ſet forth the divinity of Chriſt, he be-
gins with his eternal generation, and. his creating the
- world; and both his ſubject; and manner of treating it is
ſo ſublime and myſterious that Theodoret calls his goſ-
pel, A theology which human underſtanding: can ne-
ver fully penettate and find out.“ Hence he is com-
pared by the ancients to an eagle, ſoaring aloft within
abe clouds, whither the weak eye of man is unable to
follow him; and by the Greeks he is honoured with the
title of Ibe Divine. St. Jerom relates (35) that, When
the was earneſtly preſſed by the brethren to write, his
he anſwered he would do it, if by ordering a
n faſt they would all put up their prayers toge-
ther to God: which being ended, repleniſhed with the
cleareſt and fulleſt revelation coming from heaven, he
burſt forth into that preface: In ihr beginning was the
Ii ord, &c. St. Chryſoſtom (36) and other fathers
mention that the evangeliſt prepared himſelf for this di-
vine undertaking by retirement, prayer and contempla-
tion. Some think he wrote his goſpel. in the iſle of Pat-
mos: but it is the more general opinion that he com-
poled\it aſter his teturn to Epheſus about the year of our
Lord 98, of his age ga, after our Lord's aſcenſien 64.
This apoſtle alſo gte three epiſtles. The firſt is ca-
* tholic or addreſſed to all Chriſtians, eſpecially. his con-
xerts,- whom he preſſes to purity and holineſs of manners,
and he cautions them againſt the; crafty. inſinuations of
teducers, eſpecially the Simonians and Cerinthians. The
Fsther two epiſtles are ſhort. and directed to particulat
penlons ; the one a, lady of honourable quality ; called,
as it ſeems, Electa (though ſome think this rather an
epithet of honour than a proper name), the other Gaius
e een ene 1e
J Fuſ. I. 3. e. 4. St. Hier. in cat. & Clem, Alex. ap. Euſ. l.
627 K. 14. St. EKpiph; Kc. (35) St. Hier, Prolog. in Matt. T. 4.
p.. el. Bend £36) &. Chryſ. hom. 67, Kk.
ec. 27,
e there-
om the
Baptiſt,
records
ing his
he be-
ing the
ag it is
his goſ-
dan ne-
s com-
within
able to
vith the
When
rite his
ering a
rs toge-
ith the
ven, he
was tht
fathers
this di-
templa-
of Pat-
e com-
r of our
fon 64
t is ca-
is con-
janners,
ions of
8. The
rticulat
called,
ther an
r Gaius
i08/
* Euſ. l.
tt. T. 4.
Dec. 27. S. 170 HN, Evangeliſt. 357
or Caius a courteous entertainer of all indigent Chrif-
tans; rather one of that name at Derbe, mentioned in
the Acts of the Apoſtles, (37) than the Caius of Corinth
of whom St. Paul ſpeaks. (38) The ſtyle and ſenti-
ments in St. John's goſpel and in theſe epiſtles are: the
ame; and the ſame 1nimitable ſpirit of charity reigns
throughout all theſe writingſgss. Res
The largeſt meaſtires of this charity with which our
apoſtle's breaſt was inflamed, he expreſſed in the admi-
table zeal which he ſhewed for the fouls of men; itt
dich ſervice he ſpent himſelf without ever being weary
in journeys, in preaching, in enduring patiently all fa-
tigues, ' breaking through all difficulties and difcotirage-
ments, ſhunning no dangers, that he might reſcue men
from error, idolatry, or the ſnares of vice. A remark-
able inſtance is recorded by Clement of eee
Euſebius. (30) When St. John returned from Patio
w Epheſus, he made a viſitation of tlie churches of
Leſſer Aſia to correct abuſes, and fiipply them with
vorthy paſtors. Coming to a neighbouring city, after
having made a diſcourſe, he obſerved a young man in
the company of a fair ſtature, and pleaſing aſpect, and
being much taken with him he preſented him to the bi-
ſhop whom he had ordained for that ſee, ſaying: In
the preſence of Chriſt, and before this congregation I
earneſtly recommend this young man to your care.“
The biſhop took the truſt upon him, and promiſed to
dilcharge it with fidelity. The apoſtle repeated his in-
junction, and went back to Epheſus. The young man
was lodged” in the biſhop's: houſe, inſtructed, kept to
good diſcipline, and at length baptized and confirmed
by him. When this was done, the biſhop, as if the per-
lon had been now in a ſtate of ſecurity, began to ſlack-
en the reins, and be leſs watchful' over him. This was
quickly perceived by a company of idle, debauched
Wetches who allured the youth into their ſociety, By
bad company he ſoon forgot the precepts of the e riſtian
religiony and paſling from one degtee of wickedneſs to
4- (38) Rom, xvi. 23. (39) Clem. Alex. Tr.
. 5
Gbr xe. em. Alex.. H.
Qus Dives falvabityr : Euſ. Nd 3. C 23, P. 113. eg, Cintaß.
di. Chryfoſt, L 1. ad Theodor. la
35 S. J0 HN, Evangeliſt. Dec. ay;
another at length ſtifled all remorſe, put himſelf. ar the
head of a band of robbers, and taking to the highway
became the moſt, cruel and profligate of the whole band.
Some time after St, John was again; called to the fame
city,. and ir he had ſettled. other affairs, {aid to the
biſhop: © Reſtore o me the; truſt which Jeſus Chriſt
and I committed to you in preſence} of your church“
The biſpop was ſurpriſed, imagining: þe meant ſame
truſt of e But the ſaint explained himſelf that
Fire t young man, and ſhe fav} of his brother
which he had entruſted. to his care. T ben the biſtop
4 91 1p Jai ; 2 . dead. What
did, he dis of?“ ſaid our ſaint. The. biſhop replied:
„He. is dead io Gad, is turned robber, and inſtead of
being in the church with us, he hath ſeized on à moun-
Ea zuhere he lives with a company of wicked men like
imſelf.“. The holy apoſtle having beard this rent his
garments, and fetching à deep ſigh ſaid with tears;
* Qh!. what a guardian have I provided to watch overs
brother's ſoul!” * Preſently, he called for a. horſe and 2
aufe 206 rid away, to the mountain where the robbet
and his Sang dept their rendezvous and being made
jſoner by their, ſentinels he did nat offer to fly or beg
is life, but cried out: It is for this that I am come:
me to your captain.“ They conducted the ſaint to
im, who ſtood at firſt armed to receive him: but when
he ſſ gw it was St. John, was ſeixed with a mixture of
| ſhame and fear, and began to make off with precipita·
tion and confuſion. The apoſtle forgetting his feeble-
neſs. and old age, purſued him full ſpeed, and cried out
n theſe words: . Child, why do you thus h
from me your father, unarmed and an old man?
on, have compaſſien on me. There is room for repent-
ange Your ſalvation is not irrecovetable. Iwill anſwer
for vou to Jeſus Chriſt. I am ready moſt willingly. to
lay down my life for you, as Jeſus Chriſt laid down his
or all men. I will, pledge my foul, for yours. Sta
helleve me, I am ſent by Chriſt. . At theſe words the
young man ſtood ſtill, with his eyes fixed upon the
-proynd: then throwing away his arms he ttembled and
ry
burt into tears. When the äpoſtle cätme up, the pe
Dec, 27+ | 8. 10 H N; Evangeliſt; 357
tent bathed in tears embtaced his tender father, implor-
ing forgiveneſs, but he hid: his right hand which had
been ſullied with many crimes. By his ſighs and bitter
eompunclion he endeavoured, to; ſatisfy tar his fins as
much as he was able, and to find a ſecond baptiſm in his
tears, as our author, St. Clement, emphatically. exprefies
it. The apoſtle with wonderful condeſcenſion and af-
fection fell on his knees before him, kiſſed his right hand
which the other endeavaured. in confuſion to conceal,
gave him freſh; aſfuranges of the divine pardon, and
tarneſtly praying for him brought him back to the
church. He continued ſome time in that place ſor his
fake, praying aad faſting with him and, for him, and
comforting and encouraging him with the moſd affecting
paſſages of the holy ſeriptures. Nor did be læave the
place till he had reconciled him to the church, that is,
by abſolution reſtored him to the participation of ilie
Une no dt 11 Heitz on
This: charity, which our
| great ſaint was penetrated
with and practiſed hirmmſelf, he cgnſtapily and moſt af-
fectionately preſſed upon others. It is the great vein
that runs through his ſacred writings, eſpecially his epiſ-
tles where: he usges it as the great and peculiar law of
Chriſtianity, without which: all pretenſions ta this divine
rehgion are vain and frivolous, utlets and inſignificant:
and this was his conſtant, practice to his dying day. St.
Jetom relates (40) that when age and weakneſs grew
upon him at Epheſus. ſo that he was no longer able to
preach or make long diſcourſes to the people, he uſed
aways to be catried to the aſſembly of the faithful by
his diſciples with great difficulty, and every time ſaid to
his flock only theſe. words: My dear children, love
one another.. When his auditors, wearied with hear-
ing conſtantly the ſame thing, aſked him why he always
repeated the ſame words, he rephied.: & Becauſe it is the
precept of the Lord, and if you comply with it, you do
enough.“ An anſwer, ſays St, Jerom, worthy the great
St. John, the favourite, diſciple of Chriſt, and which
ought to be engraved in characters of gold, or rather to
de Wit in the heart of every Chriſtian. St. John died
(40) St. Hier. in Galat. c. 6. | of
1 — —— —
in peace at Epheſus, in the third year of Trajan (as
ſeems to be gathered from Euſebius's chronicle) that is,
the hundredth of the Chriſtian æra, or the ſixty- ſixth
from our Lord's crucifixion, the ſaint being then about
ninety- four years old, according to St. Epiphanius. (41)
Some amongſt the ancients pretend that St. John never
died, but are very well confuted by St. Jerom and St.
Auſtin. The ſame opinion has been revived by James
Le Fevre d' Etaples (42) and Florentinius, (43) whom
Tillemont has accurately refuted.” (44) St. John was
buried on a mountain without the toẽn. The duſt of
his tomb was carried away out of devotion, and was fa-
mous for miracles;; as St. Auſtin, (45) St. Ephrem, (46)
and St. Gregory of Tours (47) mention. A ſtately
church ſtood ſormerly over this tomb, which is at pre-
ſent a Turkiſſmoſque, though Mr. Wheler tells us that
there are not at preſent above fifty Turkiſn families, and
no Chriſtian in that town, once fo famous. The aöth
of September is conſecrated to the memory of St. John
in the Greek church; and in the Latin the 27th of
December.. 20 Mae ene:
The great love which this glorions faint bore toi his
God and Redeemer, and which he kindled from his maſ-
ters divine breaſt, inſpired him with the moſt vehement
and generous charity for his neighbour; Without the
. ſovereign love of God no one can pleaſe him. He that
hhveth not, knoweth not God, for God is charity.-(48) Let
us therefore love God, | becauſe God'-firſt loved us. (49)
This is the firſt maxim in a ſpiritual life, which this
apoſtle moſt tenderly inculcates. The ſecond is that our
fidelity in ſnunning al/ fin and in keeping all God's com-
mandments is the proof of our love for God, (50) but
eſpecially a ſincere love for our neighbour is its great
(41) St. Epiph. ker. 51. c. 12. (42) Faber 8tapul. Diff. de unt
ex tribus Maria, fol. 82. (43) Florentinius, Not. in Martyr. ve-
tus Hieronimi. (44) Tillem. Vie de St. Jean Evang. IL. I. art.
10, 11. Note 15, 16, 17, 18. See Calmet, Diff. ſur la Mont. de
St. Jean. VEvang. IL. 7. p. 615. ed. in fol. (45) St. Aug. hom.
124. in Joan. (46) St. Ephr. Aut. ap. Phot. Cod, 229. (47) ot.
Greg. Tur. J. 1. de. gor, warte 8. 30 (48) 1 Joby iv: 8.
(49) 1 Joha iv. 19. ($0) Ib. c. it, c. iv. Kc.
Dec. 27. 8. 170 HN, Evangeliſt. 35
teſt. For he that loveth not his brother whom he ſeeth, how
can be love God whom be ſeeth not! ſays,” St. John. (51)
Our bleſſed Redeemer in the exceſs of his boundleſs cha-
rity for all men, preſſes this duty upon all men, and as
an infinitely tender parent conjures all bis children to
love one another even for his fake: He who mot affec-
tionately loves them all, will have them alt to be one in
him, and therefore cotnmahds us to bear with one ano-
ther's infirmities, and ta forgive one another all debts or
injuries, and as much as in us lies, 20 live peaceably with
all men. (32) This is the very genius and ſpirit of his
law, without-which we can have nothing of a chriſtian
diſpoſition, or deſerve the name of his children or dif-
ciples. Neither can we hope with a peeviſh, paſſionate
or unforgiving temper ever to be heirs of heaven. Har-
mony, n mutual complacency. and
love will be the invariable temper of all its bleſſed inha-
bitants. No ruffling paſſion, no unfriendly thought will
erer be found amongſt them. Thoſe happy regions are
the abode of everlaſting peace and love. We mult learn
and cultivate this temper of heaven here on earth or can
never hope to get thither, We are all profeſſedly'travel-
ling together toward that bleſſed place where if we are fo
happy as to meet we ſhall thus cordially embrace each
other. Does not this thought alone ſuffice to make us ſor-
get little uneaſineſſes, and to prevent our falling out by
the way? St. — teaches us that to attain to this hea»
venly and chriſtian diſpoſition, to this two-fold charity to-
ward God and toward our neighbour for his ſake we muſt
ſubdue our paſſions, and die to the inordinate love of tho
world and ourſelves. © His hatred and contempt of the
world was equal to his love of God, and he cries out to
us. (51) My little children, lboue not the world, nor the
things which: are in the d;. I any one loves the world,
tbe charity of the Father is not in him. An exceſſive” love
of the world (whether of its pleaſure; intereſt or vanity
and preferment) is a/generabtempration of mankind; and
it predomihant or unconquered, trongly:tends to extin-
gaiſi in the heart all love and reliſn of ſpiritual things.
651) 1 Jeg th. 20. (5 Heb, vil. 14. Roii, M48,
:, ay FEWSC 1
F4 * < vw wh I SID PR
—
1
NN
- tional exerciſes. of readings ſedita
4362 8. THEODQRUS GRAPT * C. Dee. 27.
When men are in a full and: precipitant career after the
things of this world, they firſt ſoiget God, and then for-
ſake him., A: man can never lift up that heart io Gol
which. is already ghaincd, to the earth. This vice when
in power is of alt others, the moſt, hewitching, and incon -
ceivably withdraws; a ſoul, ſtom God. Thoſe who live
in che world muſt, by. their aiſidumy in the. private devo-
8 0 | tion and prayer keep
up an acquainiance with. God and their own fouls;
they. muſt frequently amidſt iheir buſineſs recall their
ſerious thoughts, recover and ſtrengthenſthe pious frames
ol their minds, or. their, charity will (an ſuffet ſhip:
* le a 74 > AT 1 1013;o7! |
ce
am, ent Jo rhe
„ HIS
mol ON tu hr DE
St. Tusobonus Gunar T. C. This ſaint was of the
country of the Moabites: but his parents who were rich
and virtuous, went and ſettled at Jeruſalem in order to
procute him the advantages of an holy education. He
was placed by ther when he was very young, in the
monaſtery of Sabas, and by his -progreſs in learning,
the extraordinary purity of his manners, and the habi-
tuahmonification/ of his ſenſes attained in a ſhort time
to an eminent degree of virtue, and acquired a high rc
putation in the world. The patriarch of Jeruſalem
obliged: bim to receive prieſtly orders, and when Leo
the Armenian waged a' cruel war ngainſt holy images,
ſent the ſaint to that or to exhort him not to dit-
turb the peace of the church. The tyrant, inſtead of
relenting, cauſed St. Theodorus to be fcourged, and ba-
niſh&d him with his brother Theophanes, a monk of the
ſame monaſtery, and his companion, into an iſland
in the mouth of the Euxine ſea, where they ſuffered
much by hunger and cold. But they had not ſtayed Jong
there before the emperor died in 8 22, hen they return -
ed to Conſfantinople, and St. Theodorus publiſhed ſome
writings in defence of. the truth. Micharl the Stutteter
who ſucceeded in the imperial throne, and is thought
either; to have had no religion, ot to have leaned moſt
to chat f the Manichees or Paulicians, was for ſteering
a middle courſe between the Catholics and the Icono-
Dee. 27% 8. THEONORVS GRAPT,,.C. 83
claſts., He caſt St. Theodorus into: priſon, and after-
ward ſeat him into. exile. His fon. and ſucceſſor Theo-
phijus, a- violent Iconoclaſt, and barharous . perſecutor,
who- aſcended the ihtoue, in. 82g, cauſed the, two bro:
thers,to be whipped ; chen baniſhed: them into the iſland
of Aphuſia. Two years after, they were brought back
o Conſtantinople, 5 in Lye 0 ow emperor
till they fell down quite; ſtunned at his feet, t en ſtri
ped, and pub 8 When they had lain — |
days ip priſon, and (till perkited in then refuſal ta com-
municate with the Iconoclaſts, the emperor commanded
twelve Iambic verſes, copapoled for that purpoſe by an
Iconoclaſt courtier, to be inſcribed on their foreheads.
The ſenſe, of the verſes. was as follows: (, Thele meg
have. appeared at Jeruſalem as veſſels, of iniquity, full of
ſuperſtiyous. error, and were driven; thence. for their
crimes: and having fled to Copſanginople, they forſook
not their ĩmpiety. Whesetsie they have been again ha:
riſhed from thence, and are ſtigmatized on their faces.“
Though the wounds which, they had recgved by their
ſtripes, were yet much inflamed, and very painful, they
were laid ppon benches, whilſt the letters which com-
"Tels verſes were cut or pricked upon their faces,
he operation was long and tedious, and interrupted hy
the. coming on of the night; and the, confeſſofs were
ſent back io priſon, their faces being ſtill bloody. They
were. ſon after baniſhed to Apamea in 8y [ Ia, where, St.
Theodorus died of his ſufferings. From the inſetiption
cut in his forehead he is ſurnamed Grape, which ſignifies
in Greek, Marked or Engraved. - Theophilus died about
the ſame. time, and the empteſs Theodora, a zealous
catholic, becoming regent for her ſon Michael, St. Me-
thodius was made patriarch, and reſtored holy images
in 842. Theophanes yas then, bonoured. for his glori-
ous confefion of the, faith, and conſtitured biſhop of
Nice, that. he might, more. effectually concur in -over-
throwing an hereſy, over which he had already triumph-
ed. . St. Theodorus Grapt is named in the Roman mar-
tyrology with. lus brother Theophanes on this day. The
Greeks handur the former on this 27th of December,
and St. 'T heophanes, - whom on account of ſacred hymns
* S
364 The HOLY INNOCENTS. Dec. 2,
which he compoſed, tliey ſtyle the poet, on the 1 1th of
October. See the authentic life of St. Theodorus Grapt
in Metaphtaſtes, Baronius and Fleury, 1. 47, &c. The
twelve lambic verſes, which were wrote on their fore-
heads, with a red hot ſteel pencil; are recited in the
Greek Synaxary on this dax. 5
a 7110
„DE C E M B R R XXVII.
thn ue! TNT Dee n :
me HOLY INNOCENTS. |
Tut 5591 REP
254 Xp.
0 O UR Divine Redeemer was perſecuted by the world
as ſoon as he made his appearance in it. For he was no
ſooner born than it declared war againſt him, We can-
not expect to be better wenden Wen our great Maſter
was before us. He himſelf bids us remember that if it
hated him firſt, it will likewiſe hate us, though we have
more reaſon to fear its flatteries and ſmiles than its rage.
The firſt make a much more dangerous and more vio-
lent aſſault upon our hearts. Herod in perſecuting
- Chriſt was an emblem of Satan and of the world. That
ambitious and jealous prince had already facrificed to his
fears and ſuſpicions the moſt illuſtrious part of his coun-
cil, his virtuous wife Mariamne, with her mother Alex-
andra, the two ſons he had by her, and the heirs to his
crown, and all his beſt friends. Hearing from the Ma-
ans who were come from diſtant countries to find and
dore Chriſt, that the Meſſias or fpiritual king of the
Jeu, foretold” by the” prophets, was born among them,
e trembled left he was come to take his temporal king-
dom from him. So far are the thoughts of carnal and
worldly men from the ways of God: and ſo ſtrangely the
do * paſſſons blind and alarm them. The tyrant 9
was diſturbed beyond meaſure, and reſolved to take away St.M;
the life of this child, as if he could have defeated the
decrees of heaven. He had recourſe to his uſual arts of
Policy and diflimnlation, and hoped to receive intelli- (18
gence gf this'child by feignihg a defire himſelf to adore (2) K.
fin ur God langhed at the fo of his-ſhorr-fighted . 21,
Dec. 28, The HOLY INNOCENTS. 365
prudence, and admoniſhed the Magians not to return to
him. St. Joſeph was likewiſe ordered by an angel to
take the child and his mother, and to fly into Egypt.
Is our bleſſed Redeemer, the Lord of the univerſe, to be
baniſhed as ſoon as born! What did not he ſuffer! What
E.
world
was no
e can-
Maſter
it if it
e have
4 4 Herod boring
cuting * * N a
Thar execute his ſcheme of killing the Meſſias, the, deſired of
8 all nations, and the expectation of Iſrael, he formed the
cb bloody reſolution of murdering all the male children in
Alex- beitueem and the neighbouring territory which were not
to his dove two years of age. In this example we admire
ie Ma- how blind and how. furious the paſſion. of ambition is.
Fad Soldiers are forthwith ſent to execute theſe cruel orders,
of the who on a ſudden ſurrounded the town of Bethleem, and
them, maſſacred all the male children in that and the, adja-
king: cent towns and villages, which had been born in the twa
al and laſt years. This more than brutiſn barbarity, which
angely would almoſt have ſurpaſſed, belief, had not Herod been
tyrant i be contriver, and ambition the incentive, was accom:
e away v9 with ſuch ſhrieks of mothers and children, that
ed the „ Matthew applies to it a prophecy of Jeremiah, which
arts of may be underſtood in part to relate more immediately
intelli- (i Sbsomes, I. f. G. lf K 414. Ed. Cuntabe: Fer Nest
adde I () &. Athan, 1 de Iagarn. n ee Vie de des C. 2 of
p. 21, | (3) Iſaiah xix. 1,
266 The HOLY TINNOCENTS. Dec. 28.
to. the Baby loniſtr captivity,” but which certainly receiv.
ed the moſt Eminent completion at this time. A vie
In "Rama wth bear,” lamentation and great miyrnins -
Nacbei Setonrfig | Bey children, : and would not be ths
Ane Beru ſẽ they Art nb. Ratnd is a village not far
— this tow *r "I 4 of Rachel Mas in 4
Id belo t. 1855 aughter alſo was obabl
in nt, e neighboi 1 18 Be l 4
d Tr achel. 1055 Etli 85 [their 25
ahd in theſe: ar cohnt foufteen
lan oe maſſacred of! this octafion': but that
number exceeds! all boumqs, nor is it confirmed by an
Kitthotity” eight Fnnovegt victims became the ſpot-
1 lamb of GS. And bow great an happineſs was
a death to These gloridus martyrs! They deſeryed
to die for! Chrrlt, Hough they were not yet able toknow
or invoke His fare. U weir the flowers andthe
firſt fruits of his martyrs, and triumphed over, the world,
without having cer knowh it, 'or-experienced its dun-
They juſt received the benefit of life, to m E a
Aer bf it to God, and to purchaſe by it eternal he,
oſt at the fare time th — td live and to die
they feceived tlie freſh air of this mortal Hfe'forthwith
10 26 to immottality': and it was their pecufatr glory
not only to e for the fake of Chriſt, wt fot 112
Aid virtue, biit"aHo in the" place of Chriſt; or im his
ſtead. How few'pethaps of theſe children, if they had
Rved, would hay&'eſcaped the Gangers of the wotld,
which by by nv maxims and example bear every thing down
before it hke'arfimpetuons töfrent! What ſnares, what
fins," what "miſcftes were they preſerved from by this
race!” With what ſongs of Mrs and love'do the) not
all eternity than their Saviour and this bis infinite
mercy to them! *Fheir ignorant fooliſn mothers did not
know this; and therefore they wept without comfort.
we often Me 25 misfortunes many accidents which
the deſigns ot. Heaven ate the greateſt mercies.
In Herod we fee how blind ard How eruel ambition is,
which is ready to ſacrifice every thing, even Jeſus Chriſt,
to its views. The tyrant mann * langer 10
on the
Dec. 28. The HOLY INNOCENTS, 357
ceiv enjoy the kingdom which be feared ſo much to lofe. (2)
ice "About the time of dur Lotd's nativity he fell ſick, 15
nino: as His diſtemper ſen ſibly increaſed; deſpair and emorſe
n. followed him, and Made Him mfupportable both tb H-
or far de and others. The innumerable erĩmes Which, be had
in 4 cormmitred,' were'the tortutes of his mind, whilſt a flow
bably poſthume, iteh by inch, gnawed and conſurried his
which bor, feecig:-prineiplly upon one ot the great gu
litur- gh it extended itſelf over all the reſt, and ri.
1freen ing 75 fe}, made a breath in the lower. belly, and be-
t chat came a ſora leer, out of which worms iflued | in
y any ſwarms; and lice were alſb bred' in his fleſh. A feve r
: ſpot- WM violently burnt bim within, though durwardly it fe
ss was ſentes pefceptible: : and he was tormented with 4 cahine
ſeryed wpperite, which no” victuals could ſatisfy. Such an of-
non five fcbell exhaled from bis body, 28 fhocked his beſt
d the friends; and uncommon de ; and Vellications up-
world, Wi en che fibrous and membrane bus Fans ef his body, like
an- dtp razors, cut und wounded him withim; and; t the
nake a pai} thence ariſing overpowered im, at leugth, "with
zal Rle. cod (weats,' trembilings, and cnvülſions. Anti ater in
to dle; . hearing in what a larttentable condition He 2
with 0d lay, ſtronghy (elicited his jailor to fet him at 1 7
v1 ory hoping toobtain'the' crown; but the” officer <cquainted
zoſtice Herod with the whole affair. The N .groatting un-
Im his der the compheation of his own! pets, upon this
hey bad information, 'vented His ſpleen by-tavitig and, beating his
We own- head, aud calling ohe of his gitards; cortimanded
bim to ge chat inſtant and cur off Antipater's head. Not
n with eabfing'many to be pit tobarbarous deaths
during: the eourſe of his ee he commanded the
Jews that were Of che principal tank and quality to be
hut up in a ereus at” richs, and pave orders 0 his hſter
W190 el CoH. 11314 3
(a) Ss 1@tivth Herod had by bis Wie Doris, and who had,
by wis rtifiges,! engaged his father to psi to death bis two fons
1 aod Ariftghyl Fo (ichs * hand princes of the Aſmonean
by their mother ariamne,) for nſpixacy againſt, the
life & His father; © Of this crime ne KELL: jd ore ius
Marub who had ſucteeded Satutmnts in the eee of Syria,
Cem _— nant A RE this trial at Jer
* 2 * _ +
- — —KE—ñ—— . —
— — ——— —— 1 — —ẽ — — >
2
' - - - &
368 The HOLY INNOCEN TS. Dee. 28.
Salome and her huſband Alexas to have them all maſſa-
;cred as ſoon as he ſhould have expired, ſaying, that as
the. Jews heartily hated, him, they would rejoice at his
departure; but he would make a general mourning of
the whole nation at his death. (4) .. This circumſtance is
at leaſt related by the Jewiſn hiſtorian Joſephus. Herod
died five days after he had put his fon Antipater to death.
Macrobius, an heathen writer of the, fifth century, re-
lates, (5) that Auguſtus, © when he heard that among
the children ety ug had commanded: to be flain
under two years old, his own ſon had been maſſacred,
ſaid: It is better to be Herod's hog than his fon.”
By this he alluded to the Jewiſh. Jaw; of not eating, and
% "
conſequently not kifling wine. Probably the hiſtorian
imagined the ſon tg have been lain, amongſt the chil
dren, becauſe the.news of both maſſacres reached Rome
about the ſame time. n : wormmonen os ie,
Parents, , paſtgrs, and tutors: are hound to make. it
Their principal, care, that childrent in their innocent age,
He by feen and charity conſecrated as pure holocauſts to
God. This is chiefly to be done by imprinting upon
their minds the ſtrongeſt ſentiments. of devotion, and by
inſtrücting them xthoraughly in their catechiſm. We
cunnot entertain too high an idea ot the merit and. obli-
gation of. teaching God's little ones to know him, and
che great and necetſary truths which he has revealed-to
u. Without knowing him np one can love him, ot ac-
Nuit himſelf of the. moſt indiſpenſable duties which be
bues 10 his Creatot, Children muſt be inſtructed in
Prayer and the principal articles of faith as ſoon as they
attain , to the uſe. of reaſon, that they may be able 0
wee tie its. firſt fruits by faith, hope, and love, as b)
The law. of reaſon aud . religion are bound to do.
Tbe underſtanding. of little childten is very weak, and
is able only t0-dileover ſmall glimpſes of light. Great
Art, experience, and car neſtnels are often required to
manage and gradtially inereaſe theſe ſmall rays, and to
place therein ' whatever one would have the children
comprrhend. The leſſons muſt be very ſhort, and the
truths which, are,taught, made ſenſible when poſſible, bY
(4) Jof. Ant. L 19. e. . (5) Macrob. Saturn. I. 2. c. 4
Dec, a. The HOLY INNOCENTS: 369
examples, images, and compariſons adapted to the ca-
pacities of thoſe that are to be inſtructed. The cate- :
chiſt, without demeaning himſelf, muſt become a little
one with thoſe that are little. This he muſt do with
ſuitable gravity and ſeriouſneſs : and it is only by his
own earneſtneſs and application that he can make them
attentive and earneſt. Were he at the ſame time to
joke,, or attend to, or be employed in any other thing,
be would in vain recommend ſeriouſneſs and attention
to thoſe that hear him. O how great ought to bee the
zeal of children and others to attend to that ſaving doc-
trine, without which man is a riddle to himſelf, and no
one can attain to ſalvation and the love of God! That
ſublime ſcience whieh i on begotten Son, avha isqn ili
biſom of the Father, came from beaven (6) to declare to
us. The queen of the South came from the bounds of \the
earth to hear the: wiſdom of Solomon behold more than
Solomon is bere ()) When the Aibenians had fotbid
any citizen of Megara to ſet foot: in thens under pain
of death, one Euchdes, an inhabitant of Megara, went
diſguiſed: many miles in the night to aſſiſt at the lectures
of Socrates the next morning, and returned the night
following : and this he continued to do a long time with
the hazard of his life. (8) If ſuch was the earneſtneſs
of this heathen to learn a prophane philoſophy, with
what zeal ought a Chriſtian to ſtudy the true and ſub-
lme ſcience; of faith, which leads to eternal life? The
moſt ardent deſire of this inſtruction, is the ſureſt mark
of true virtue, and of that vehement hunger and thirſt
of God's juſt and holy love, which is the very foul of
(CME: 2 01-3611 ide [11:09 e tet
-\The licithde and diligence of parents and paſtors to
inſtruct others in this ſacred ſcience, ought not to leſſ:
en; neither muſt any one regard the function as mean
or contemptible. It is the very foundation of the chriſ-
lan religion. By this function the ſeeds of piety, and
teligion are planted in the hearts of the faithful, which
produce their fruit according to the manner in which
bey are received. A good catechiſt contributes more
(6) Jobe b 18.) (7) Mart. i 42. (8) Al. Gell, Nos.
Attic. J. 6. C. 10. 2 | BATH
Vor. XII. B b
I The HOLY INNOCEN Ts. Dec. 29.
toward maintaining public peace, than all the laws and
magiſtrates; as interior ties of duty are far more bind-
ing than coercive force. Hence pope Paul III in a bull
in which he recommends this employment, deelares, that
*:'nathing is more fruitful or more profitable for the ſal-
vation of ſouls.” No paſtoral function is more indiſ-
penſable, none more beneficial, and generally none more
meritdrious; we may add, or more ſublime. For un-
det is meaner exterior appearance, without pomp, oſten-
tation, or ſhew of learning or abilities, it joins the ex-
erciſe cf humility with the moſt zealous and moſt pro-
fitable function of the paſtoral charge. Being painful
and laborious, it is, moreover, an exereiſe of patience
_ andi\penance, ."\Neithereaw\uny ene think it beneath
his parts or dignity! The great St. Auſtin, St. Chry-
ſoſtom, St. Cyril, and other moſt learned doctors, popes
and biſhops, applied themſelves with ſingular zeal and
aſſiduiĩty to this duty of catechiſing children and all ig-
notant porſons; this they thought an high branch of
their duty, and the tnoſt uſeful and glorious employ-
ment of their learning and talents. What did the apoſ-
tles travel over the world to do elſe? St. Paul ſaid: /
am a "debtor o the wife and o the unwiſe. (g) Me be-
tame lutle ones in the midſt of you; as if' a nurſe would
eberiſb ber children; ſo deſirous of you, that we would
gladly baus imparted-to you not only the goſpel of God,
but even our own" ſouls. (10) Our Dieine Lord him
made this the principal employment of his miniftry.
The” ſpirit of iht Lord is upon me + be bath ſent me 10
preach the goſpel to the poor. (11) He declared the plea-
fure he found in aſſiſting that innocent age, when he
ſald : Suffer "the little children to come unto me, for ile
kingdom -of God is for ſurb. And embruc ing them,
and laying bis hund. upon them, be bleſſed them. (12)
ohn Gerlon, the moſt pious and celebrated chancellor
Patis, eſteemed an oracle for his learning, teſtifled
his zeal for this ſacred function by his book entitled:
On'drawing Little Ones to Chrift. All his life he em-
ployeca confiderable'part-of his time in teaching little
10 Romii. 1% ieh 1 The. f. 5 6. (11) Late iv, 48.
(12) Mark x. 14, 16. * 15
8 vU
a Theſaur. A
children their catechiſm; Upon his return from the ge-
neral council of Conſtance, he retired to the city of
Lyons, where he every day aſſembled the children in
St. Paul's church, and taught them the chriſtian doctrine
till he was confined to his bed by his laſt illneſs. When
he drew near his death, he cauſed all the little children
8. THEODORUS, A. c. pr
tobe called together into the church, and to repeat
with one voice: My God, my Creator, have mercy
on thy poor ſervant John Gerſon.” (13) We
an On Tut $SamEg Day,
$t;Taroporvus, Abbot' of Tabenna, C. On ac-
count of the extraordinary purity of his manners from
his very infancy ſurnamed by the Greeks The Santkiſed.
Such was the edification which the whole church receiv-
ed in the fourth and fifth centuries from many great
lights of the monaſtic Order, which then ſhone in the
deſerts of Egypt, that Theodoret (1) and Procopius (2)
think the flouriſhing ſtate of theſe any #4 were was par-
ticularly” foretold in thoſe paſſages of the prophets, 'in-
which it is ſaid of the age of the New Law of Grace,
that, The wilderneſs ſball bud forth and bloſſom, aud
ſhall rejoice with joy and praiſe, (3) &c. Which inter-
pretation is ingeniouſly applied to the fame purpoſe by
F. Poſſinus. (4) There, faid an ancient writer who
had converſed with ſeveral of theſe holy men, (5) © have
| ſeen many fathers leading an angelic life, and walking
after the example of Jeſus.” And St. Sulpitius Severus
lays of them: “For my part, ſo long as I ſhall keep
alive, and in my ſenſes, I ſhall ever celebrate the monks
of Egypt, praiſe the anchorets, and admire the her-
mits.” One of the moſt eminent among the patri-
achs of theſe ſaints, was abbot Theodorus, the diſciple
of St. Pachomius. This faint was born in Upper The-
bais, about the year 314, of illuſtrious and wealthy pa-
cuts, and from his expectations in the world, or from
| | (13). Vita Gerſon, T. 1. op: een, re ttttls!
(1) Theodoret, in Ifa. Ini. 3, (a) Procop-/in eund. loc. p. 205.
(3) Ik, XXV. 1, 2, ©, 7, 114. Ixil. 3; 4, Kc. r roleg.
Tericum. (50 Heräclides, a diſciple of St. Chry-
bilhop of Epheſus, * mon. Gree? T. g. p. 173.
2
312 8. THEODORUS, A. C. Dee. 28,
the dangers and diſtractions of its riches and enjoyments,
he drew the ſtrongeſt motives for deſpiſing it. When
he: was between eleven- and twelve years of age, being
penetrated more than ordinary with the great truths of
the-gaſpel; on the feaſt of the Epiphany he gave him-
ſelf: to God with uncommon fervour, proteſting that he
had never preferred any thing in his heart to the divine
love: and ſervice, and begging the grace always to be
faithful in this refolytion; | Not to deceive himſelf in fo,
delicate a point, he from that moment made it his whole
ſtudy to belong in his heart and in all his actions wholly
to God, faſted ſometimes whole days, and ſpent much
of his time in devout prayer. Thus he lived two years
at home with his pious mother, going every day to a
neighbouring grammar- ſchool. At fourteen he obtained
her leave to retire from the world, and finiſh his educa-
tion in the . certain; holy monks in the dio-
ceſs of -Latopolis.. The reputation of St. Pachomius
drew him -afterward to Tabenna, where by his ardour
to advance in all virtue, he appeared among the' fore-
moſt in that numerous company. of faints. His mother
repaired to Tabenna to ſee. him; but Theodorus, fear-
ing any temptations of looking back again on the world,
which he had renounced, with all things in it, in order
to follow Chriſt with his whole heart, intreated St. Pa-
chomius not to allow the interview. The mother was
. edified at this diſpofition-of her ſon, and took the veil
in a nunnery which St. Pachomius had eſtabliſhed, not
far ſrom Tabenna, where ſhe ſtrenuouſſy laboured in
the great work of the ſanctification of her ſoul, and had
ſometimes the pleaſute of ſeeing her fon in the com-
pany of ſome of his fellow. monks. St. Pachomius made
our ſaint, in the twenty-fifth year of his age, his com-
pan ſon, when he made the viſitation of his monaſteries;
in his thirtieth year cauſed him to be promoted to the
prieſſ hood, and committed to bim the entire govern-
ment of his great monaſtery of Tabenna, ſhutting him-
ſelf up in thedittle monaſtery of Paban. St. Theodo-
rus went thither every evening to afſiſt at the daily ex.
hortation which St. Pachomius gave to his monks, and
aſteryard repeated. the ſame to the Community at Ta
8 0
„
Dec. 28. S. THEODOR US, A. C. 373
benna, which. he alſo inſtructed by his own frequent
fermons and conferences. When he-was going on a cer-
tain occaſion with St, Pachomius to his monaſtery near”
Panopolis, in Lower Egypt, a philoſopher of that city
deſired a conference with the abbot. St. Pachomius de-
clined it, and ſent St. Theodorus, who with wonderful
quickneſs anſwered all his queſtions, and ſolved his
problems: but exhorted him to bid adieu to idle ſubtil-
ties and barren ſpeculations, and make the ſcience of
ſalvation his great Rudy. St. Theodorus was troubled
with frequent violent head - achs, and St. Pachomius told
him, that greater ſpirituab advantages acerue to our ſouls
from diſeaſes and in voluntary afflictions when received
and ſuſfered with patience, than from voluntary abſti-
nence and longer pray ers. « $012 01 IF
St. Pachomius falling ſick at Pabat two years before
his death, the monks of Tabenna, by importunt̃ues and
tears, extorted Theodorus's conſerit” to take pe Hiri
the care of the whole congregation; when it ſhonld pleaſe
Cod to deprive them of their holy fotinder.”. Though
Theodotus had acquieſced with great feluctance, —
after long reſiſtance, St. Pachomiùs afterward_reproved
him for it, and removed him from his ſuperiority of Ta-
benna. St. Theodorus accepted this diſcharge with joy,
and voluntarily accuſed himſelf of havigg fallen into
vanity and preſumption, . Theodorus ſpent two years in
the laſt rank in the community, below all the novices;
and u ĩth joy embraced in ſilence every humiliation; an
5 the utmoſt auſterities: in Which ſituation his
incere and perfect virtue ſhone with brighter lüſtrę,
than in all the great actions he did during his ſuperior f
, and was beyond all compariſon more advantagtous
to his ſoul, as St. Pachomius uſed to declare to others,
The holy abbot: died in 348, and Petronius,* whom i
bad declared his, ſucceſſor, died thirteen days after hint
Mt, Orſiſius was then choſen abbot; but finding the
burden too heavy for. his-fhoulders, and his-congregation
threatened with riſing factions, he placed St. Theodorns
in that charge, but was obliged to uſe compulſion: and
allo alleged, that it was the expreſs order of St. Pacho-
mius before his death. ; St. Thepdorus aſſembled the
320 s. THEODORUS, A. c. Dec. 28.
monks, pathetically exhorted them to unanimity, en-
quired into the caules of their diviſions, and applied
eftectual remedies. By his prayers and endeavours a
ſpirit of union and charity was perfectly reſtored. St.
Orſiſius was his aſſiſtant in the diſcharge of his duties;
the moſt perfect harmony reigned betwixt them, becauſe
where there was no pride, thete no jealouſy could ariſe,
They ſtudied who ſhould ſurpaſs the other in humility
and condeſcenſion. St. Theodorus did nothing;without
the advice of St. Oxſiſius, and they viſited the monaſte-
ries one after the other. St. Theodorus inſtructed,
comforted, and encburaged every one in particular:
corrected faults, with a — which gained the
heart, and every one with an entire confidence diſcloſed
to bim the ſecrets of his foul, as to; his tender father,
and ſkilfnl phyſician. If any one tranſgreſſed, ihe
aint with mildneſs endeavoured, in che firſt place, to
ning them to, a ſenſe of their duty, and ſor this he
ad recourſe to God by prayer and faſting, means which
he found never to fail him. He wrought ſeveral wir-
fare and foretold things to come. Being one day in 8
oat... 00, the Nile. with St. Athanaſius, he aſſured that
holy confeſſot that his perſecutor Julian the apoſtate was
that moment dead, and that his ſucceſſor would reſtore
peace to him and the church: both which were ſoon
confirmed. Our ſaint alf foretold- the monks of Ni-
tria, in 353, that the pride of the Arians would ſoon
meet with a downfall, This prediction is contained in
an epiſtle; which the faint wrote to the monks of Nitria,
extant in the Continuation of Bollandus, (6) We have
allo another letter of this ſaint, which is an epiſtolary
exhartation to che devout celebration of Eaſter, pub-
liſhed. by Holftenjus in his Code of Ancient Monaſtic
Wo „The three letters of pious inſtructions which
e wrote, to his Monks, mentioned by Gennadius, are
i ud ; ec, ene 212. LES
St. Nilus (7), and others, relate, iat once whilſt St.
Theqdorus was-preaching to his monks, who were ur-
ing at the lame time in making mats, -two vipers crav!:
ed about his fœct. So careful was the ſaint not to in-
(6) Bolland. Maii 14. p. 356. (7) St. Nilus Orat. c. 108.
"> .
b. 28,
en-
plied
vt,
aties ;
=cauſe
ariſe,
mility
thout
naſte-
udcted,
culat:
d. the
ſcloſed
father,
. ahe
Ce, 0
his he
which
mira»
ay in 2
d that
te Was
reſtore
re ſoon
of Ni-
d ſoon
ned in
Nitria,
'e have
—
r, pub
i
; which
ius, are
hilſt St.
e Vork
3 crawl
t to in
108.
Dec. 28. S. THEO DO RUS, A.. C. 375
terrupt or diſturb the attention of his auditęry during
that (acred function, that he ſet his foot upon them till
he had finiſhed. his diſcgurſe. Then taking away bis
ſoot, he ſuffered them to be killed, having received no
harm. One of his monks happening to die on Holy
Saturday, in 367, St. Theodorus left the divine office
to aſſiſt him in his laſt moments, and ſaid to thoſe that
were preſent: This death will ſhortly be followed by
another, which is little expected. The brethren watch-
ed that night by the corpſe, and interred it on Eaſter-
day * y_ RAE 3 of N At the
(e. of, the Octave of that ſolęmnity- n TO
— XA moving diſcourſe to lt monks; for it —
their cuſtom to meet all together in the monaſtery of
Paban for the celebration of Eaſtet. Our faint had no
ſooner diſmiſſed them to their on monaſteries, in the
ear abovementioned, but he was taken itt, and ' after a
ervent preparation for his laſt paſſage, having recom-
mended the care of the community to St. 108, (a)
he happily expired on the e Auth in the year
36, the fifty third of his age. His body was carried
to the top of the mountain, and buried in the cemetery
of the monks with ſinging of palms: but it was ſoo
after removed, and laid with that of St. Pachomius.
5. Arhanaſius wrote to the monks of Tabentia” td, em-
%) Sk. Onststos is honoured by the Greeks on the i gth of
) | Eg I Jhe 60h of
June. 'After the death of St. Theodorus St.'Orfil
government of the inonaſtit congregation. of Tabenna, and acquit-
ted himſelf of every duty belonging to that charge with great p
dence and charity. St. Athadafius and St. Antony on every on
teſtified rhe higheſt eſteem. of his perſon. This holy abbot, always
cloſed the exftortation which he made to his monks every Sven g.
after their du's work and their repaſt, with. prayer, becauſe God
alone can give the ſpirit and practice of. Urtus. The time of St.
iſius's death is not known: but we have extant a ſpiritual work,
entitled, The Doctrine of Orſiſius, which St. Jerom tranſlated into
Latin, This holy abbot compoſed, it by way of ſpiritual teſtamer t
'9 dis monks. It is an abtidgment of the priveipal rules and; maxims
of a monaſtic life. The exhortarions are vellement, and the inflrue
uns ſolid and beautiful. The autbor declates he bad made it !
conſtant endeayour to neglect nothin 800 hir power to engage them
to render themſelves Agtecable to the Lord ; and In order to. render
this work in Hihl. Patrum, ed, Colon. L. 4. p. 9 *
41 TIP » 4 ” dig nt? ">. 1... 4% * K.
exhortations efficacions; had accompan ed nem with his tears.
* % ” 2 S,
_
Fg
2376 8. THOMAS. B. M. Dec. 29. Dec.
eden for ts h- ef Wer kety abbot,' und bid 0
them have before their eyes the glory of which he was A.
then poſſeſſed. The Greeks commemorate this faint hig
on the 16th of May: the Roman martyrology on the 5
e . we 4 My life of St. Pachomius in the te
iſts on the 141 295. 7 dot
* — p. 334 and 337. . 7 t, her
Ceilli ier, T . 9* = 373: ems by Mee 4 75 7 tet ok Ae
. 495 4ev $i. {0 ¹
ben p. E * M MBE * XXIX.
dil: . min 90 1 amn dt ut u
Bt. THO MAS, Archbittop of Canterbiiry, "Mt
eg 1 Tt 1 Gta ee 90780 wy *
See his iſe by John ef Saliſbury,” his chaplain, who ROE bim
during moſt! part) of his exile, and uus preſent at his death: he
died biſhop of Chartres, and his learning and integrity are much
extolled by Cave, Hiſt. Liter. T. 2. p. 243. This work was
2 entire, with the epiſtles of John of Saliſbury, at Paris,
1611 ; but is mangled and curtailed in the Quadritogus, or Lift
of St. Thomas,” compiled by command of | pope Gregory II. out
— * lives of this ſaint btought into one, vin by Her-
bert the Wartyr s clerk, William of nterbury, Alan abbot of
oche, N ohn of Saliſdury. This Quadri ogus, or Quadri-
\ Joris; was printed at Braficls b by the: care of Lu us, with a large
Lollection of St. Thomas's epiſtles, An. 1682. y of his let-
2 ders had been LE by | Baropius': but a great number te-
unpubli the MSS. in the Cottonian ſe
«ri Fibropies 2 at Sate et College « at Os Ee
M. Sparke, among Hiſtoriz Ap glicanæ Scriptores | Vari
ny rimum editi, pr 70M at London. in 4723, has given us the
St. Thomas, e by N itz- Stephens, (in Latin
Regan a clergyman, who belonged firſt io his court of
9 afterward to his fami ive with hic ſeveral years,
w him wounded by the a aſſins, and expire. This faints
25 90 Tabus Grime, and another life which begips, Poſt ſummi
2 3 j alſo” P. Thomæ Rubrica ſeu Conſuetudines, are kept in
88. 11 the Norforcian gr f 4 yy WI given to the opal
WD by fl. Nall of. Norf * ig 1078." Another account 1
CG
* Edilrd 9 is 8 we 34 ; _ A oats nawes were
"aveiently the fame, and uſed promiſcuouſly, as appears in our MSs
the middle ages. ' Yet the etymology differs in the a Saxon
ee Eadward fignifies Happy kesper, from Ward 2 Keepe,
wund is Happy peace : for 5. is Peace. In Law the od
"Mundbrech is breach of peace oper names Aelmund. is All-
ae
peace Kinmund 2 Peace to to be Ethelmund, noble Ra-
/
Dec. 29: 8. TH. O MA 8, B. M. 377
ed Paſſio S. Thome, is given by Martenne, Theſaur. Anecdor.
T. 3. p. 1137. Several Fir and other writings relating to his
biſlary, are publiſhed by Wilkins, Conc. Brit. T. 1, p. 437. The
lite of St. Thomas was wrote by Dr. Stapleton, and is extant in
his Fres Thomæ. An Englith hfe of this martyr, extracted chiefly
from Baronius, dedieated to Dr. Richard Smith, biſhop of Calce-
_ don, was printed in 1639. An hiſtory of his canonization is given
us by Muratori, Scriptor. Ital. T. 7 is Vos Alexandri III. See
alſo the hiſtories and chronicles of Hoyeden, - Matthew Paris,
" Gervaſe, Brompton, Kc. His life is well compiled in French by
M. Dy Foſse, who had a ſhare in the Lives of Saints compiled
dy the meſſieurs of Port Royal. On the virtues of this faint, ſee
the moſt honourable and edifying account of his faintly deport»
ment given by Peter of Blois, the pious and learned archdeacon of
"Bath. in a letter which he wrote * his martyrdom, ep. 27.
See Heartie, Not. in Gul. Neubr. T. 3. p. 638: Item on Peter
Langtoft's chronicle, T. 2. p. 529. alſo Benedictus abbas Petrob,
. de-Geſtis Herr. Il. & Rick. l. b) Tleatbe, F. u. p. 10, 11, 12,
20 . Dien dee 2. D. 1170. . run * B.
WIE tnt & LGB » "oy Ri a di
Or. Thomas Becker was born in London in 111,
on the 2 1ſt of December. Flis father Gilbert Becket
was a gentleman of middling fortune, who in his youth
made a pilgrimage to Jeruſalem with divers others, and
A
falling into the hands of the Saracens, remained a year
and-half a priſoner, ox · rather a ſlave, to one of their
emits, or admirals. An only daughter of chis emir
hearing him oe day explain the chriſtian faith and de-
clare, upon the queſtion being put to him, that he ſhould
with the greateſt joy lay down his life for the love of
Narren Ff 7 3 17 |
Pharamund, true | peate z/ though ſome have conſtrued this true
mouth. Edmund as he is more frequently called, though Edward in
the ancient MSS. of Clair-marais, long attended St. Thomas, and was
his croſs-bearer : at the faint's mattyrdom by endedvouring to inter-
poſe his 5wn body, he received à wound in his arm. After the archbi-
ſhop's death he continued to live at Canterbury, and ſome years after
wrote; his life or ion, which bears the title : Magiſtri Edvardi
Vita vel Paſſio 8. Thomæ Cant. Archiep. The ſhort Prologue begins
Profeſſores Artium The life: Dile#us igitur, &c. It ends with a
letter of two cardinals to the archbiſhop of Sens; theſe being the
laſt words: \Relaxavit epiſtopos de promiſſitne quam ei feceranty de
comſuetuginjbus oſer vandis, & promiſit quod non exiget in futurum,
There follow. in the MISS, of the Ciſtercian abbey of Clair-marais
near St, Omer, four long books of miracles wrought at his ſhrine
or through his inyocation, as inveterate dead palſies cured inſtan-
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God, if he was made worthy of ſuch. an happineſa, was
ſo touched, as to conceive on the ſpot a deſire of be-
Sg a | Chriſtian, 0 15 * Ang be to Is.
et, Who contente elf wich telling her, hat
ſhe; would be very bappy if God gave her ef grace,
h it ——— with-the loſs of every thing this
world could afford. He and his fellow-ſla ves foon after
aq their HEAPS in the night-time, and returned ſaſe
to London. The young Syrian lady privately left her
fatber's houſe, and. followed, him thither, and. being in-
ſtructed in the faith, and: baptized dy the name of
Maud, or Mathildes, ſhe was. married to hith- in St.
Paul's church by the biſhop of London, Soon after
Gilbert went back into the Eaſt, v0 join the cruſade or
holy war, and remained in ' thoſe parts three-years and
an half. Maud was brought to,bed of our faint a little
time. after his departure, about a twelve-month after
their, marriage, and being * very pious, ſhe tauglit
het ſon from his infancy to feat God, and inſpired him
with a tender devotion to the Bleſſed Virgin. His fa-
ther, after his retum to England, was, in his turn, ſhe-
riff (a) of London: Fitz aſſures us, that he
never put money out at intereſt, and never embarked in
any commerce, but being contented with his patrimo-
ny, lived on ibe annual income. His death, in 1138,
left gur ſaint expoſed to the dangers of the world at an
age when the (greateſt [miſtakes i In; life are frequently
committed. But he had been educated in habits of
temperance, \ obedience, and ſelſ-denial, and was ſo
thoroughly grounded in the maxims of the goſpel as to
ſtand firmly upon his pure, and to do nothing but by
good advice. His. father had placed him in his child-
hood-ig- a menaſtery of canon regulars, and after bis
death Thomas continued his ſtudies in London, where
Fitz- Stephens iu forms us there were then three very great
ſchools; belonging to the thres,, principal churches, in
v bich public declamations were made and frequent li-
4erary diſputations held with great emulation between
both maſters and ſcholars. Here Thomas bed his
ſcudies till the age of twenty-one years, when al
(a) Vicecomes.
pee. 29 8. TH O AS, B. M. 350
loſt his mother he diſcontinued them for a year: but
conſidering the dangers. which ſurrounded: Aim while
unemployed, he refolved-to reaſſume them. He there-
fore went firſt to Oxford, and ſhortly after to Paris,
where he applied hiraſelf diligently to the canon law,
and various other branches of literature. When he
came back to London he was firſt made clerk or ſecre-
tary to the court of the city, and diſtinguiſhed himſelf
by his capacity in public affairs. He- was afterwards
taken into the family of a certain young nobleman in
the country, who was extremely fond of hunting and
bawking. In this ſituation Thomas begam to be carried
away with a love of theſe diverſions which were bechtne
his only buſineſs; fo that by this company he grem more
remiſs in the ſervice off God, An awakening acpident
opened his eyes. One day when he was eager in the
purſuit of game, his hawk made a ſtoop at a duck: und
dived-after it into a river. Thomas apprelienſive of
loſing-his ha wle lea ped into the water, and the ſtream
being rapid, carried him down to a mill, and he was
ved
ed only by the fudden-ſtopping of the wheel, which
appeared miraculous. Thomas in gratitude to God his
deliverer, reſolved to betake himſelf to a more ſerious
courſe of life, and returned to London. His virtue and
abilities gave him a great reputation; and nothing can
ſooner: gain a man the confidence of others as that in-
ſlexible integrity and veracity, which always formed the
character of our ſaint. Even in his childhood he always
choſe rather to ſuffer any blame, difgrace or puniſh-
ment than to tell an untruth; and in his whole life
he was never found guilty of a lie in the ſmalleſt
Matter. 1574. 7 1512 *HOACH?
A ſtrict } intimacy; had intervened betwixt Theobald,
who was advanced fi the archbiſfiopric of Canterbury in
1138,: and our ſaint's father, they being both originally
from the ſame part of Normandy, about the village of
Tietrie. Some perſons therefore having recommended
Thomas to that prelate, he was invited to accept of
lome poſt in his family. Attended only with one quite
named Ralph of London, he joined the, archbiſhop who
then was at the village. of Harwe or Harrow. Thomas
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380 S. THOMAS, B. M. Dees. 20
was tall of ſtature,” his countenance was beautiful and
pleaſing, his ſenſes quick and lively, and his diſcourſe
very agreeable. Having taken Orders a little before
this he was preſented by the biſſiop of Worceſter to the
church of Shoram, (1) afterward by the abbot of St.
Alban's to that of Bratfield. (2) With the leave of the
archbiſhop; he went to Italy, and there ſtudied the canon
law a year at Bologna; then ſornetime at Auxerre. Af.
ter his return the archbiſnop otdained him | deacon, and
he was ſucceſſively preferred to the provoſtſhip of Be-
verley, and to canonries at Lincoln's and at St. Paul's
in London; the archbiſnop nominated him archdeacon
of Canterbury, which was then looked upon as the firſt
eccleſiaſtical dignity in England after the abbacies and
biſhoprics which gave a ſeat in the houſe of Lords. (4)
The: archbiſhop committed to our ſaint the manage-
ment of che moſſt' intricate affairs, ſeldom did any thing
without his advice, ſent him ſeveral times to Rome on
important errands, and never had teaſon to repent of
the choice he had made, or of the'confidence he repoſed
in him. The conteſt. between king Stephen, and the
empreſs Maud with her ſon Henry II. had threatened
the kingdom with a dreadful flame, which was only
prevented by a mutual agreement of the parties, ratified
by the . by which Stephen was allowed
10 hold the crown during life, upon condition that at
his death it ſhould devolve upon Henry the right heir.
Notwithſtanding this blown Ghtleavent Stephen endea-
voured to fix» the erawn'or his ſon Euſtachius. Theo-
bald refuſed to conſent to ſo glaring an injuſtice; for
which he. was baniſhed the kingdom, but recalled with
honour oY after. The conduct of the archbiſhop
on this occaſion was owing to the advice of Thomas,
wha:tbus! ſecured the cron in peace to Henry. Theo-
bald who had before made him his archdeacon, and by
a long experience had found him proof againſt all the
nemptations of the world,' and indued with a prudence
capable of all manner of affairs, recommended him to
the high office of lord chancellor of England, to which
t) Fu Stephens, p. 12. (2)*Chron. de Walden, MS. Cot
don. Titus, D. 20. (3) Fit Stephens, p. 11242.
Dec. 20
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Dee. 20% . THOMAS, B. MI. 8
king Henry, who had aſcended the throne on the 2oth
of December 1154, readily exalted him in 1137. The
faint's ſweerneſs of temper, joined with his integrity and
other amiable qualities gained him the. eſteem and affec-,
tion of eyery one, eſpecially of his prince who took
great pleaſure, in his converſation, often went to dine
with him, and committed to his care the. education of
his ſon prince Henry to be formed by him in found max-
ims of honour and virtue. He ſent him allo into France
to negotiate a treaty. with that crown, and conclude a.
marriage between his ſon Henry and Margaret, daughter
to Lewis the Younger, king of France: in both which
commiſſions he ſucceeded to his maſter's deſires, (5
Amidſt the honours and proſperity: which he enjoyed, he
always lived moſt humble, modeſt, mortified, recollect-
ed, compaſſionate, charitable to the poor without bounds
and perfectly chaſte, and triumphed over all the ſnares
which wicked courtiers, and ſometimes the king himſelf,
laid for his virtue, eſpecially his chaſtity. (a) The per-
ſecutions which envy and jealouſy raiſed againſt him he
overcame by meekneſs and filence. |
Theobald, archbiſhop of Canterbury, died in 1160.
King Henry was then in Normandy with his chancellor,
whom he immediately reſolved to raiſe to that dignity,
Some time after he bad him prepare himſelf to go to,
England for an affair of importance, and in taking leave
explained his intentions to him. Thomas after alleging
many excuſes N told the king : ** Should God per-
mit me to be archbiſhop of Canterbury I ſhould: ſoon.
loſe your-majeſty's favour, and the great affection with
which you honour me would be changed into hatred.
For your majeſty will be pleaſed to ſuffer me to tell you,
that ſeveral things you do in prejudice of the inviolable
hts of he church, make me fear you would: require
me what I could not agree to: and envious perſons
would not fail to make this pals for a crime, in order to
make me loſe your favour,” Such was the generous li-
() Grime at large. |
0% On the extraordinary magnificence with which he 1
this embaſſy and the rich preſents which he carried, in w were.
wo large caſks of Engliſh beer, fee Fitz-Stephens. a
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betty of this man of God, and his ſerious deſire to de.
hver himſelf from the dangers which threatened him.
The king paid no regard to his remonſtranees; and ſent
over certain noblemen into England to manage the af.
fairs with the clergy of che kingdom, and the chapter
Dec. 29,
of Canterbury, ordering them to labour with the fame
ardour to place the chancellor in the ſee of Canterbury
as they would to ſet the crown on his ſon's head, St.
Thomas obeyed in going for England, but refuſed to
acquieſce in accepting the dignity till the cardinal of
Piſa, legate from the holy ſee in England, over- ruled all
bis ſcruples by the weight of his authority. The elec-
tion was made on the eve of Whitſunday in 1162, a
ſy nod of biſhops at London ratified the ſame, and the
prince then in London, gave his conſent in his father's
natne, and the ſaint! ſet out immediately from London
to Canterbury. On the road he gave a private charge
to one of the clergy of his church, to advertiſe him of
all the faults which he ſhould obſerve in his conduct;
for even an enemy by his reproaches. is often more uſe-
ful to us than a flattering friend. The archbiſhop ſoon:
after his conſecration received the pallium from pope
Alexander III. which John of Saliſbury brought him
from Rome. He had hitherto employed all his time in
prayer to beg 4 e heaven, and from that time
began to exert himſelf in the diſcharge of his paſtoral
duties. Next his ſkin he always wore an hairſhirt: over
this he put on the habit of a Benedictin monk from the
time he was made archbiſhop; and over this the habit
of a' canon, of very light Ruff. By the rule of life
which he laid down for his private conduct, he roſe at
two o'clock in the morning, and after matins waſhed
the feet of thirteen poor pes, to each" of whom he
diſtributed money. It Wa et edifying to ſee him
with profound humility melting in tears at their feet,
and begging the aſſiſtanee of their prayers. At the
hour of Sins His almoner waſhed* the feet of twelte
others, and gave them bread and meat. The archb-
| ſhopireturned-to take a little reſt after matins, and walt-
ing the feet of the firſt company of poor perions ; but
roſe again very early to pray and to read the holy ſcrip-
one if
Dec. 20 8. THOMAS, B. M. 383
E. tures; which he did aſſiduouſſy and with the moſt pfo-
found reſpect. He found in them ſuch unction that he
5 had them always in his hands even When he walked, and
12 deſired holy ſolitude that he might bury himſelf in them.
ter He kept always a learned perſon with him to interpret
ne to him theſe ſacred oracles, whom he conſulted on the
ry meaning of difficult paſſages; ſo much did he fear to
gi. rely on his own lights by preſumption, though others
o admired his wiſdom and learning. After his morning
of meditation he viſited thoſe that were ſick · among his :
alt monks and clergy; at nine o'clock he ſaid maſs, or heard
. one if out of reſpect and humility he did not celebrate
mw bimſelf, He often wept at the divine myſteries. Ar
the ten a third daily alms was diſtributed, in all to one hun-
wy dred perſons : and the faint doubled all the ordinary alms
| of his predeceſſor. He dined at three o'clock, and took
care that ſome pious book was read at table. He never
had diſhes of high price, yet kept a table decently
ſetred for the ſake of others: but was himſelf very tem-
perate and mortified. One day a monk ſaw him in
company eat the wing of a'pheaſant, and was ſcandaliz-
ed like the Phariſce, ſaying he thought him a more mor-
tified man; The archbiſhop meekly anſwered him that
8 might be committed in the groſſeſt food, and
t the beſt might be taken without it, and with indif-
ference, After dinner he converſed a little with ſome
pious and learned clergymen on pious ſubjects or on
their functions. He was moſt rigorous in the examina-
tion of perſons who were preſented to holy orders, and
ſeldom relied upon any others in it. Such was the order
he had eſtabliſhed in his houſe, that no one in it durſt
ever receive any preſent; He T cd all the poor as
bis children, and his reyenues- ſeemed: more properly
theirs than his own. He i hended with freedom the
vices of the great ones; and Tecovered out of the hands
of ſeveral powerful men lands of his church which had
been uſurped by them; in which; the king was his friend
29 He aſſiſted oe the council 75 Tours af-
«med by pope Alexander III. in 1163. He-obliget
the King io fa the two ſees of Worceſter and e
2 Ost Uns 291194
384 S. THOMAS, B., M. Dec. 29;
which he had Jong held in his hands, with worthy pre-
. lates whom the ſajnt conſecrated, | .//
The devil envying the advantage which accrued to
the church from the good harmony which reigned be-
tween the king and the archbiſhop, laboured to ſow the
feeds of diſcord between them. St. Thomas firſt offend-
ed his majeſty by reſigning the office of chancellor, which
out of complaiſance to him he had kept fome time after
he was nominated archbiſhop. '. But the , ſource of all
this miſchief was an abuſe by which the king uſurped
the revenues of the vacant ſees and other benefices, and
deferred a long time to fill them that he might the longer
enjoy the temporalities, as ſome of his predeceſſors had
facrilegiouſly, done before him. Which injuſtice. St.
Thomas would by no means-tolerate. A third debate
was, that the. archbiſhop would not allow lay judges to
ſummon eccleſiaſtical perſons before their tribunals. By
the zeal with which he curbed the officers or noblemen
who oppreſſed the church or its lands, compelling them
to reſtore ſome which they had unjuſtly uſurped, or
which had been given them by former incumbents or
biſhops who had no right to beſtow them, at leaſt be-
yond the term of their own lives, he exafperated ſeve-
ral courtiers who began firſt to miſrepreſent his conduct
herein to the king. The king however ſtill ſnewed him
the 5 of favour; and ſeemed ſtill to love
bim as he had done from his firſt acquaintance above all
men living. The firſt ſign of diſpleaſure happened at
Woodſtock, when the king was holding his court there
with the principal nobility. It was cuſtomary. to pay
two ſhillings a year upon every hide of land to the king's
officers, who in place of the ſheriffs were employed to
maintain the public peace in every county. This ſum
the king ordered to be paid into his exchequer. The
archbiſhop made a modeſt remonſtrance, that without
being weating in, reſpect to this majeſty, this might
not be <A as a revenue of the crown; adding,
the ſheriffs, their ſerjeants, or the . officers of the pro-
vinces defend the people, we ſhall not be wanting to
relieve and ſuccour them.“ (viz. either with pecumary
ſupplies and recompences, and affording them afliſtanc®
Dec. ag 8. NH OMA S, P. M.
by the conſtables and other givil peace-officers.) The
king rephed with warmth; mak ing uſe of a familiar im-
pious oath: By Gods eyes, this ſhall be paid as axe»:
venue, ox thoſe who do not pay it, ſhall be proſecuted.
ya wit of; the; royal enchequer. The archbiſhop,
auſveted that none of his vaſſals would, pay it, nor any
of che clergyo-! The king ſaid no more: at that - time;y
but, his. tdſentment wes the greater. And the complaints
at court were onlxaraed againſt; the clergy, without
auy farther mention of the laity who were equally eon
> os Thus is the caſeiſtated by Grime. The aich
bilbop- ſeems o have ſpoken. of it 28 a parliamentary
Mis nor axe the circumſtances ſuffieienth know n. for
to ſtate it fully at this diſtance. of time. We
ui on informed that the vobily andthe whole nation
ch under Henry I. and Stephen had enjoyed their;
wm Privileges. and ; liberties, were then under *
gate rehenſfions that the tyranny; and. cruel vexar,
Gongquerer and his ſon Rufus, Would be-ze>
Bb 21 under the title of Conquerer.
affair happened which raiſed a greater flame,
— ꝓprieſt called. Philip of Broi was accuſed of
mg murdered; a military man. Acconding ton the
thoſe times he was to be firſt, tried in the eccle»
ſaſtical court, and if found guilty, degraded, and, deli-
vered, oyer to the lay judges to be tzied-and-puniſhed; by
them,. Philip after, a long trial was acquitted oft
e by a ſentence we his ordinary the. biſhop of Lin-
but ſeems to have been found na 0 of many
g 5, or of having in voluntarily Killed, the ths
Fer by large ſums of money he ſatisfied the, decen
perſon's, relations, and received from them a full releaſe
— A from all obligations and farther. proſeguti-
a, as . mentions. A AKing s ſherift-long after this
affair, out, of a pique, revived this landet of the murder,
vith much harſh language, and — to bring; h
ain to a trial. 1 — dick alleged that having bee
0 acquitted by a fair trial according to law, 5
Ehe Moreover. a. Sy ys of the relations and, fri
1 eogh ſed perion, he, could. not baJimpeached, again
W i but groming n
. ern
|
|
|
|
|
|
_ tears of the cletgy, and complied in am aſſembly at the
8. HOM AS, B. M Dec. 30
feriff with very injurious language. The king ſent an
order to certain biſhops and other officers to try |the-of-
fender both for Aae crime of murder and the late
miſdemeanor? the murder he denied, and produced the
ſentence dy which he had been itred to ſet Aide's
ſecond trial ;. -denfeſſed himſelf guilty of the miſde-
meihor by injurious words in Ius anger, begged pardon
and promiſed- all ſatisfactien im hie power. Phe com-
. fſed ſentence, that for ihe miſdemeanor
bend ſhoakd be cofifiſcated\for two yeatg'into the
a Meads, who wauld order the revenue to be gi
in ahne to the poor at his pleaſure: that the ©
ould quit'the/olerical oy egy ang: live-in —
— officer, ''and preſont him his armour : al
which be readily. oomplied with. For the ſecurity of his
life the archbiſhop had taken him. under ihe *
6f the church. The-king/ thought the ſentence too mild,
the king
and-faid 1o-the-biſtiops and other commiſſioners, 1
Sees es you hallt ſwear that you
tence to juſtice, and did not favour
gecount of dis clerical character.“ 1 5
ſwear it; but the king — himſelf e
Soon after he told the archbiſhop
would require of them an oath that they would in 4
all the cnftoms of the kingdom. St.
a notorious: abuſes and injuſtices 2
by rhe lang „ He — a
the biſhops at'Weſtminſter, refuſed .
he might add this clauſe, > Avi as was had, or
afiſtene with duty. The: atchbiſhop of Vork, and
e biſhops of Chicheſter and Lincoln ware drawn from
their rſt reſolation againſt it, and St. Thomas who had
relifted the threats of the king, was overcome by the
Aae e lace of Clarendon in 1164 He-ſoon after re-
pented- 11 his eondeſtenſion, and remained in ſilence
d'tears till he had conſulted the pope, who'was then
Sens, and his abſolution. His holineſs in his
2 gave him the deſired abſolution from cenfures,
_ - adviſed um t abſtain no longer from approaching the
| Har; and exkoned bin to repair by ay Fr. IE
SP ES ERTIES TS Tang PS ©
8 8
ANI
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then
1 his
Dec. ag. S. THOMAS, B. M. | 47
the fault into which he had only been betrayed thraug
furpriſe. The king was extremely offended at the r.
pentance of the archbiſhop, and threatened his life:
but the . boldly, ſaid be never would authoriſe as
cuſtom the notorious oppreſſtons of the church which his
8 A Anſelm, had zealauſly con-
emned. before him. The king, in an aſſambly of the
biſhops and nobility at Northampton, on the 8th of
ORober,- 1164, pronounced ſentence againſt him, by
Which he declared all his goads confiſcated. Several bi-
ſhops and others endggvoured to perſuade. him 10 raſign
his archhiſnopric. But he anſwered with great reſolution;
at to da it in ſuch. eireumſtances would be to betraj
the truth and the cauſe of the church, by which he was
bound, by the place which he held, rather to lay down
his life; His perſecutions daily increaſing, he gave trick
charge o his daweſtics and friends ta remain in ſilenen,
prace; and charity towards their enemies, to bear injuries
with patience, and never to conceive the ſeaſt ſentiment
of rancour againſt any ono. His cauſe in the mean time
was evoked to the boly ſee according to his appeal in the
council, and he reſolved privately to leave the kingdom.
He landed in Flanders in 1 164, and arriving at the ab-
bey of St, Bertin's, at St. Omer, ſent: from: thence de-
puties-t0 Lewis VII. king of France, who received
them graciouſly: and invited the archbiſhop into his do-
minions. . King Henry forbad any to ſend him any man-
ner of aſſiſtance. St. Gilbert, abbot of Sempringham,
was called up to Landon, with all the pracurators of his
Order, being accuſed of having ſent him relief.
the abbot had not done it, he refuſed-to-ſwear this, he-
cauſe he ſaid.it would have been a virtuous action, and
he would do nothing by which he might ſeem to regard
tas a crime. Nevertheleſs, out of reſpect to his great
lanQity, - he was diſmiſſed by an order of the king. The
pope was then at Sens in France. The biſhops and
other deputies from the king of England arrived: there,
gained ſeveral of the cardinals, and in a public audience
aceuſed St. Thomas before his holineſa; yet taking no-
tice that he acquitted himſelf of his office with great
prudence and virtue, rr
C 2 |
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*
3% - SMTHH.O M A, BRI M. Dee. 20.
2 Horthyf ptelatel St. Thomas left St! Bertin's after 2
_ few days "ſtay; ant being accompanied by the biſhop of
Erigrs and the abbot of St. Bortin's, went to Soiflons,
Sheking:of France happenedito dome thither the next
Ga and he no foener heard that the archbiſhop of Can-
terbury was there, but he went to bis lodgings, to teſtify
his venerution font his perſun, and obliged him to accept
Tomb him allnhe money he ſhould want during his exile,
__ audience of:
The'faint” purſued his journey to Sens, where: he met
witha-cold er ge the catdihalb. When he had
he expreſſed his grief at the diſ-
__ awbancestin England, and his deſite to procure a true
_ modeſt; that
* a
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.
*
itzions retreat, and a ſchool of penance for the expiaion
hep,
pexce'to/thatichorth, for which'end he-profeſſed himſelf
| _ laydown, his life with joy: hut then he exagge-
the evils of a falſe peace, arid-gave in a copy of the
wridles/which.the king of England required him to ſign,
and Which he ſaid tendod to the entite oppreſſion of the
chuteb. e eee was ſo moving, ſo full, and ſe
| hel tardinals e xpreſſed their approbation of
us conduct, and he pope encouraged him to conſtancy
with great tendlerneſs. In a ſecond audienee on the
day following, 'ahe archbiſhop [confeſſed with extreme
humility that he had entered the fee, though againſt his
will, yet againſt che canons, in paſſing fo Müden) from
the ſtate of 'a layman into it, and that he had acquitted
| kimſelf-fo it of this-obligations in it, as to have had no
more than tie name of-a paſtor :/ whereforeche reſigned
his dignity into the hands of his holineſs, and taking
the ring off his finger, delivered it to him, and with-
drew. After u lotig deliberation the pope called him in
again, and commending his zeal, reinſtated him in his
dignity, with an order not to abandon it, for that would
be viſibly to abandon the cauſe of God. Then ſending
for the abbot of iPontigni, his holineſs recommended
this exiled prelate to that /ſuperior-of the poor of Jeſus
Chrift, to be entertained by him like one of them. He
exhorted the archbiſhop to pray for the ſpirit of courage
and: conftancy. —_ 1 >. Sal GED Th | | b 4 1
et. Thomas regarded this auſtere monaſtery of the
Ciſtercian order not as an exile, but as a delightful re-
d
p
archbiſhopric to be kept, that is, ſays this author, to be
Dec. 29. 8. T. H O/M AS By M 399
SO ® S
— + 4
y
vented; his paſſion. againſt both the pppe and the archbi:
ſhop, confiſcated the goods of all the friends, relations,
and domeſtics of the holy prelate, baniſhed them his do-
minions, not ſparing even infants at the breaſt, jying -
in women, and old. men; and obliged by oath all Wh
had attained the age of diſcretion to go to the 'archbi>
ſhop, that the fight of them and their tears might move
him. This oath, they were obligedi to take at Lambeth
before Ralph de Brock, whom Fitz. Stephens calls pne of
the moſt daring and profligate of men; yet into his
hands the king had delivered the temporalities of the
lad waſte and deſtroyed. Theſe exiles arrived in troops
at Pontigni, and the prelate could not contain his tears
Providence however provided for them all by the chart:
ties of many prelates and princes, The queen of Sicily
and the archbiſhop of Syracuſe invited many over thi:
ther, and moſt liberally furniſhed them with neceſſaries.
The and others laboured to bring the king to a re-
conciliation: but that prince threatened his holineſs, and
committed daily greater exceſſes, by threatening letters
to the general chapter of Citeaux that he would aboliſh
their, Order in England if they continued to harbour his
enemy. Whereupon the faint left Pontigni; but a lite
tle before this he was favoured with a revelation of his
martyrdom. Whilſt he lay proſtrate before the altar in
K tears, he heard a voice, ſaying diſtinctly;
Thomas, Thomas, my church ſhall be glorified in
thy blood.” The ſaint aſked : ** Who art thou, Lord!“
And the ſame voice anſwered: © I am Jeſus Chriſt, the
dan of the living God, thy brother.” He wept in tak
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ing leave of the monks at Pontigni. The abbot thought
His tears the effect of natural renderneſs. But the faint
ealled im aſide, and bidding him not diſcover it before
his death, told him, he wept for thoſe who had followed
Rim, who would de ſcattered like ſheep without a paſ-
"tor; for God hat ſhewn to him the night before that he
Mould be flain by four men in his church, whom he ſaw
enter it, and take off the top part of his head. The
King of France ſent him the moſt affectionate aſſurances
of his protection and reſpect, and rejoicing to be able to
ferve Jeſus Chriſt in the perſon' of his exiled ſervant,
ve orders with a royal magnificence that he ſhould be
eAtertained at his expence at St. Thomas was re-
ezived there with all poſnible joy and reſpect by the arch-
biſhop, and retired to the monaſtery of St. Columba,
excommunicated
ſituated half a mile from the city. He
all thoſe who ſhonld obey the late orders of the king of
Enplund in ſeizing the eſtates of the church, and threat ·
ened that prince hinfelf, but "mildly, and with ſtrong
, Exhoremidns to repentance. "The king, by his deputies
ind again many cardinals! at Rome, and ſurpti
due poße himſelf, who began to ſpeak in his favour,
wy named two kpates à ' larere who were devoted to
him: «which drew complaints from the archbiſhop,
The ſaint, ing to ſummons, met the tes at
Gifors, dn the frontiers of France and Norman y'3 but
finding that one of them, the cardinal of Pavia, was
artfully ſtudying to betray him, wrote to the pope.
Cardinal Oths, the other legate, repreſented to the king
his obligation of reſtoring to the church his unjuſt uſurpa-
tions and revenoes of ſee of Canterbury which he
had received: but his majeſty anſwered, he had no
ſcruple of that, having employed them on the church or
on the poor. But the legate faid, he could not anſwer
it at the tribunal of Chriſt. The king of France, a
the requeſt of bis hotinefs, undertook to be a mediator
between the king of England and the archbiſhop. The
two kings had d conference together near Gifors. St.
Thomas — at che feet of his ſovereign, and was ny
by him. King Henry, among many fair ſpeeches, tat,
be defired no'more than the rights which former holy
his forme
that all tl
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Dec. 29 S. THOMAS, R M. _
archbiſhops had not conteſted, The king of France
ſaid nothing more could be deſired, But the archbiſhop
ſhewed..abuſes were meant, which former archbiſhops
had oppoſed, though they had not been; ahla to extirpate
them. If they tolerated ſome out of neceſſity, they did!
not approve them, which was demanded of him. The,
king of, France thought him too infletable, and the no-
bles of hoth kingdoms: accuſed him of pride. The:
faint was inſulted and forſaken by all, and ſet aut for
Sent, expecting to be alſo baniſhed France, But the
king of France ſoon after reflecting on what he had
done, ſent for the ſervant of God, fell at his feet with
many tears, begging his pardon and abſnlution of his
ſin, and confeſſing that he alone had underſtood the ar-
tiices which were made; uſe of. The arelihiſhop gave
him abſolution and his bleſſing, and returned to Sens.
The pope ſent two new legates, Gratian nnd Vivian, to
king Henry, and after them two others v hut that prince
refuſed always to promiſe the reſtitution of the church
revenues, and the like articles. St. Thomas never ceaſ-
ed 40 pray, faſt, and weep for the evils o his church
No prelate had ever ſtratiger temptatiqns to ſtruggla
with; and certainly nothing but conſcienes and the
molt ſteady. virtue could ever have obliged him to have
renounced his'own 1 and the favour. of ſo great
2 king, whom he moſt affectionateiy loved; for whoſe
ſervice, in his wars, he furniſhed more troops at his
own expence than could have been thought
to whom he always remained moſt loyal, and moſt faith.
ful, King Henry, among other injuries done to the
good prelate, cauſed his ſon to be crowned king by the
archbiſnop of Vork in the very dioceſs — uoures
himſelf waiting upon him at ſupper, and obliged his ſub-
jets, even by torments, to renounce the obedierice not
only of the archbi but alſo of the pope. But it
pleaſed God on a ſi to change his heart, and in-
pire him with a deſire of a reconciliation. The arch
biſhop of Sens conducted St. Thomas to his majeſty,
who received him with all the marks and expreſſions of
his former eſteem and affection, and with tears deſited
that all their differences might be buried in oblivion,
ble; and |
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that they might live in perfect friendſhip.” Nor did
292 S. THOMAS, B. M.
*
he make the leaſt mention of the pretended cuſtoms
which had been the occaſion of theſe diſturban ces:
The archbiſnop of Vork, a man whoſe life rendered
him unworthy of that character, and the biſhops of Lon-
don and Saliſbury, mortal enemies to the ſaint, began
again to alienateſthe king from him, by rene wing in his
breaſt former jealouſies. The archbiſhop walted on his
majeſty at Tours,, but could obtain no more than à pro-
mite :of: the veſtitution of his lands when he ſhould be
arrived in England. In the mean time he gave leave to
the officers of the archbiſnop of Vork to plunder all the
goods: of his church, and the harveſt of that year! Ne-
vertheleſa, the archbiſnop having been ſeven years ab-
ſent reſolvetiitacretutn to his church, though expecting
to meet the cum n of martyrdom. Writing t& de king,
he cloſed his detter as follows: With your majeſty's
leave I tetutnda my church, perhaps to die there, and
to hinder at leaſt by my death its entire deſtruction.
Your majeſty ĩs able yet to make me feel the effects of
aur clemency and religion! But whether 1 live or die,
will always preſerve inviolably that charity which !
bear you in our Lord. And whatever may happen to
me, I pray God to heap all his graces and good gifts on
your majeſty and on your children.“ The holy arch -
biſnop prepared himſelf for his journey with a heart
filled with the love of the croſs of Chriſt, and breathing
nothing but the ſacrifice of himſelf in his cauſe. Many
French noblemen furniſhed him with money and all ne-
geſlaries, That he might thank the king of France,
he went to Paris, and lodged in the abbey of canon re.
gulars of St. Vitor, where one of his hairſhitts is ſtill
reſerved. On the octave of St. Auſtin, their patron,
E deſired to preach, and made an excellent ſermon
on thoſe words: And his dwelling was made in peace. (5)
In taking leave of the French king, he faid : I am go-
ing to ſeek my death in England. His majeſty an-
ſwered: ** So J believe: and preſſed him to ſtay in his
dominions, promiſing that nothing ſnould be wanting to
him there. The faint. ſaid: “ The will of God muſt
5) 7 |
4 =
Dec. 29. S. THOMAS, BI M. 293
be accompliſhed.” He ſent over to England the' ſen-
rence- of ſuſpenſion and interdict which the pope had
pronounced againſt the archbiſhop of York and his yes
complices, in ſeveral unwarrantable proceedings, and
excommunication againſt Renald of Broke, and certain
ethers. © The ſaint embarked at Witſan, near Calais,
but landed at Sandwich, where he Was received with in-
church, would (wear to ſubmit to the conditions which
ſnouſd be enjoined him: The other refuſed to do this,
and went over. to Notmandy, with The ;bilbops of; Lon-
F 1
don and Saliſbury, toi accuſe the archbiſhop. to the. king,
in doing which paſſion made ſlander paſb for truth.. The
king, in a tranſport of fury eried put, aid repeated fe-
veral times, that ** He curſed all 8 Pa he had hot
noured with his friendſhip, and enricheda
ſeeing none of them had the to rid him of one
biſhop, -who gave him moe trouble than ll fte Teft"of
his ſubhe cds (c) Four young gentletnen in bis eker,
221 b k. (id +34 ; 4 7 617 HTK 3 MAS 0 #14 ;
(c) Fitz-Stephens relates (p. 64, 65.) that, Henry II. ſailed from
Normandy to England, to aſſiſt at the coronation of his ſon on-
don, leaving orders for Roger the biſhop. of Worceſter to follow
bim ; For he was deſirous that as great a number of biſhops as poſſi ·
ble ſhould be preſent at the ceremony. The queen, who remained
in Normandy, and Richard de Humet, the Julliciary of Normandy,
after the king's departure, ſent him a prohibition» when he was at
Diepe ready to.embark ; for they underſtood: that he ud not aſſiſt
at the coronation if it was performed by the; archbiſhop» of York,
againſt the rights of the ſee of Canterbury. The king returned im-
mediately to Normandy, and ſending for the biſhop of Woarceſter,
called him traitor, and reproached. him wich diſobexing his orders,
and wiſhing ill to his family, ſeeing he tefuſed to attend at his ſon's
coronation, when there were fo few biſhops in England: on which
7 he declared, that he deprived him, of the revenues. of his
.. The prelate relying on his innocence, alleged modeſtly
che probibition 1 received. The king was but, the more an
and was for ſending for the queen, who was in a,prighbquring caſtle,
and for Richard de Humet, The biſhop begged the queen might
not be aſked ; for ſhe would either deny it to ſcreen herſelf, or by
confeſling
W his howntys -
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394 S. THOMAS, B. M. Dec. 29.
who had no other religion than to flatter their prince,
via. Sir William Tracy, dir Hugh Marville, Sir Richard
Briton, and Sir Reginald Fitz-Orſon, conſpired private -
together to murder him. |
confelſing the truth draw his indignation. upon herſelf. The king,
with much contumelious . 4 ze told him, he could never be the
fon' of his own good uncle by his mother, which uncle had bro
him up in his caſtle, where he and the biſhop had learned together
the! fir rudiments of literature. The biſhop being ſtung at this re-
b, anſwered his majeſty, that his father, the good count Roger,
ad inherited both his honour and eſtate by his marriage with the
's mother, thut he was uncle by the mother to is majeſty,
bed brought up his. majeſty with hohour, and had fought for him
againſt king Stephen fixteen ER. fot all which ſervices his, majeſty
had curtailed his brother's e h him of two, hundred, and
forty men out of the thouſand which this king's grandfather king
I. had given him: und had abandoned his younger brother,
hi 3 {> deffitute, _— => _ e was ob-
wed to 1 ſubſiſtence amongſt pita rs at ſalem.
th added, that .j was in this manner he was — —
penſe his relations and beſt friends. Then be faid : “ Wherefore do
ydu now threaren to e me of the revenues of my biſhopric?
May they be yours, if it is not enough for you that you now enjoy
an archbiſhoprit, ſix biſhoprics, and many abbeys, certainly by in-
ice, and to the imminent danger of your own foul: and the alms
your anceſtors, that were good kings, and the patrimony and in-
adele of Jeſus Chriſt, you convert to your own ſecular uſes.”
One of the courtiers that were preſent, thinking to pleaſe the king,
fharply took up the biſhop :| and after him another abuſed him with
ous language. But the king changing the object of His an-
„ Hic to this left nobleman: © W of wretthes, doſt thou
think,” that; becauſe 1 ſuy What 1 pleaſe to my confin and biſhop,
de allowed thee or any other perſbn ro- affront or threaten
it may
bin d am fearce able to contuln my hands from thy eyes. Neither
thou not any other ſhall be ſufftred to [peak a word againſt the bi-
ap“ The anger of this prines eaffly degenetated into a ſ̃t of mad-
ne. In the forty-fourth ſetter written to St. Thomas, it is men-
tionod, that the king being at Caen, was proveked- againft Richard
de Hamet, betauſe he faid ſomething in defener of che king of
Scor2 Breueing out imo /contameltions words, he called him trai-
tor, und hereupon th be kiudled with his wonted fury,
threw his cap tom liis head, ungirt his belt, burled away His cloak
and garments Wherewith be was appatelled, caſt off with his own
hands a coverier- of filk from his bed, and firting as it were upon a
unghill of (ſtraw began do chew the firaws.” And in the next let-
det t i aid: The boy who delivered a letter to his majeſty, in-
— danger ; for "the king enden vouring to pluck out hi-
eyes wih his fingers, proceeding fo far as to come to 9
Dec. 29+ S. THOMAS, B. M. 293
The atchbiſhop was received in London with exceed-
mg great triumph : but the young king ſent him an or-
der to confine himſelf to the city of Canterbury. The
blood.” Peter of Blois had reaſon to ſay of him: (ep. 75/) He
is a lamb fo long as his mind is pleaſed, but a lion, or more cruel
than à lion, when he is angry.” And writing to the archbiſhop of
Panorma, he ſaid: His eyes in his wrath ſeem ſparkling with fire,
and lightning with fury. . . Whom he —＋ — hated, he ſcarce
ever receiveth again into favour.” This St. Thomas thoroughly un-
derſtood, und when he oppoſed him in defence of the church, ſufi ·
cientiy ſhewed what he expected. 1 Ter
Willam the Norman, availing himſelf of the title of Conqueror,
trampled upon all the privileges both of the church and people; but
being a friend to religion, and a lover of the church and of 'holy
and learned men, he was their protector, except where his predomi -;
nant pa ſſion of ambition. or ĩateteſt intervened ;” and his dying ſenti-
ments give us toom to hope, that by fincere repentance he atoned for
all the exceſſes into which the luſt of domivion, and the dazzling of
power and worldly glory might have betrayed him: Bat his ſuc-
ceſſor ;whs was bound: by no ties of religion, found no gain fweerer
than the plunder of the church, to raiſe which every unjuſt method
was employed. Such an example was thus ſet as furniſhed a pre-
tence to kings who had not - abſolutely loſt all ſenſe of religion to
ſuffer — to be blinded by intereſt, and under the ſpeei
title of guardians of the revenues of vacant benefices, to convert
them into their own exchequer, and for this purpoſe to deprive ſouls
of the conifort, inſtruction, and relief which they were entiticed a
expect from good paſtors. From this ſource numberleſs ſpiritual evil
flowed, an effectual remedy to which would have y made St.
Thomas wa ve or drop certain other points debated in this contro
we are not to reduce it to every incidental or accidents] queſtion that
was, ſtarted, but to have always in view the main point on which the
tontroyerſy turned. The eminent ſanctity of the martyr, and many
citcumſtances of the debate a4 NG anſwer to thoſe hiſtoriam
who ſet this affair in a light unfa e to the:archbithop, though
accidental miſtakes could be no di ment to 2 perfon's ſinoere
piety and zeal. If he who beſt of all men knew the; king, was mot
to be ſo eaſily impoſed upon by half promiſes as thoſe.were who were
ſtrangers to him, we are not on this account toicondemn him.
la the MS. account of our ſaint's miracles it is obſerved; that a
nation was in the utmoſt conſternation and dread upon the accefſion
— Henty II. to yg leſt he — — array a rr
a conqueſt, to ſet aſide all the ri of the pe even
particulars, in imitation of the i.e of our Norman line: Hi
maxims and conduct with regard to the church alarmed the ren dr
our primate, whole — — removes him from all ſuſpicion
of ambitipus views. 'Vhe. king's paſſionate temper: made the cuil
molt deplorable ; and the danger was inartaſed 6
w
| Nui pute zealand ella rity raiſed the
$96 | 8. THOMAS, B. M. Nec, 9,
lajat alleged, that he was obliged to make the viſitation
of his dioceſs. On Chriſtmas day, after mals, he preach-
ed his laſt ſermon to his flock, on the text, And peace
to men of good- will on earth.” In the end he declar-
cd, that he ſhould thortly leave them, and that the time
of his death was at hand. All wept bitterly at this
news, and the faint ſeeing their tears, could not entirely
tontain his own. : but he comforted, himſelf, with mo-
tives of holy faith, and ſtood ſome time aþſarpt in
God in the ſweet contemplation of his adorable will,
The four aſſaſſins being landed in England, wete joined
by Renald of Broke, who brought with him a troop. of
armed men. They went the next day to Canterbury,
and inſolently upbraiding the archbiſhop with treaſon,
threatened him with death unleſs he abſolved all thoſe
ho were interdicted or excommunicated. The faint
anſwered, it was the pope who had pronounced thoſe
cenſures, that the king had agreed to it, and promiſed
his aſſiſtance therein before five hundred witneſſes,
among whom ſome of them were preſent, and that they
ought, to promiſe ſatisfaction for their crimes before an
Narren nee : v : . Fa 2
which appeared in his changing his deſigns in his own private con-
duct every hour, fo that no one about his perſon knew what he was
to do the next hour, or where he ſhould be: an unſettledneſs, which
a. ſure mark that humour and paſſion direct ſuch ' reſolutions. For
ſuch was the ſituation of his court, as Peter of Blois, Who to his
great regret lived ſome time in it, tells us: and to the ſame, John of
Saliſbury frequently alludes, in the deſcription he has left us of a
court. Afflictions opened the eyes of this prince and his fon: and
the edifying cloſe of their lives, we hope, wiped off the tains which
their pa ſſions in their proſperity left on their memory. And is it not
reaſonable to-greſume that both were indebted for this grace, under
God, to. the pnayers af St. Thomas? As to the ſaints martyrdom,
tion againſt bim, not any
mixed cauſe; ich ſuſfices not to give the title of martyrdom in the
church, though it often enhances its merit before God. Neither
uht a pretenoe affected by perſecutors to make the cauſe appear
mixt, to deꝑprive ihe tyr of an honour which it juſtly increaſes
even before men, as the fathers, obſerve with regard to ſome who
doffered/in the primitive perſecutions: and as it is remarked by Ba-
_ Tonkus, (Annot- in Mart. hac die,) Macqver, (Abrege Chronologique
«ec ÞHift, Eocleſ. 16 Siecle, T. 2. p. 489 ed. 21757.) and inge-
| nuoully by Mr. Hearne (Præf. in Camdeni Annal. Eliſab.) with re-
ard to mapy who ſuffered here under queen Eliſabeth. |
37 V *
—
Dec. 20
abſolut
charge
him, t.
make
ve Do
wait f
ſhewin
had gi!
ſaid:
aſſaſſin
if they
the oth
was th
Der. 29. S. TH OMA, B. M. 497
abſolution. They, in a threatening manner, gave a
charge to his eceleſiaſtics that were preſent to wateh
him, that he might not eſcape: for the king would
make him an example of juſtice. The faint ſaid!
„Do you imagine that I think of flying? No, no. 1
wait for the ſtroke of death without fear.“ Then
ſhewing with his hand that part of his head where God
had given him to underſtand he ſhould be ſtruck, he
ſaid: * It is here, it is here that I expect you.“ The
aſſaſſins went back; put on their bucklers and arms, as
if they were going io a battle, and taking with them
the other armed men, returned to the archbiſhop, who
was then gone to the church, for it was the hour of
veſpers;'/ He had forbidden in virtue of obedience any
to barricade the doors; faying, the church was not to
be made a citadel. The murderers entered ſword in
hand, crying out: Where is the traitor?“ No
one anſwered till another cried: Where is the arch-
biſnop? The ſaint then advanced towards them,
ſaying: Here Jam, the archbiſhop, but no traitor”
All the monks and eccleſiaſties ran to hide themſelves;
or to hold the altars, except three who ſtaid by his ſide.
The archbiſhop appeared without the leaſt commotion
or fear. One of the ruffians ſaid to him: Now yo
muſt die. He anſwered: Jam ready to die for
God, for juſtice, and for the liberty of his church. But
l forbid you in the name of the Almighty God to hurt
in the leaſt any of my religious, elergy or people, I
have defended the church as far as I was able during my
life,,when I ſaw it oppreſſed, and I ſhall-be happy if by
my death at leaſt I can reſtore its peace and liberty???
He then fell on his knees, and ſpoke theſe his laſt words:
J recommend my ſoul and the cauſe of the church to
God, to the Bleſſed Virgin, to the holy patrons of this
place, to the martyrs St. Dionyſius, and St. Elphege of
Canterbury.“ He then prayed for his murderers, and
bowing a little his head preſented it to them in ſilence.
They firſt offered to bring him out of the church: but
he ſaid: I will not ſtir: do here what you pleaſe or
are commanded .“ The fear leſt the people: ho cον
ed into the church ſhould hinder. them, made chem haſt-
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en the execution of their deſign. Tracy ſtruek at his
head firſt with his ſword: but an eccleſiaſtic who. ſtood
by. named Edward Grim or Grimfer (who afterward
wrote his life), held out his arm, which was almoſt eut
off; but this broke the blow on the archbiſhap, who
was only a little ſtunned with it, and he held up luis head
with his two bands as immoveable as before, axdently
offering himſelf to God. Two others immediately gave
him together two vidlent ſtrokes, by which he fell on
the pavement near the altar of St. Bennet, aud was nom
expiring when the fourth, Richard Briten, aſhamed nat
to baye dipped. his {word in his blood, cut aff the top
part af his head, and broke his ſword againſt the pave
ment; then Hugh of Horſea inhumanly with the point
of his ſword drew out all his brains, and ſcattered them
an the floor. (6) After this ſacrilege they went, and
rifled the archiepiſcopal palace with a. fury which paſſion
had heightened to madneſs. The city was filled with
gonſteruation, tears and lamentations. A blind man re-
covered his fight by applying his eyes to the blood of
the martyr yet warm. Ibe canons ſhut. the doors of
the church, watched by the corps all night and interred
it privately the next morning, becauſe. of a report that
the murderers deſigned to N the ſtreet,
St. Thomas was martyred on the agth of December,
in the year 1170, the fifty-third. of his age, and the
ninth of his epiſcopaeyyy½ ̃ A |
The grief of all catholic prinees and of all Chriſten-
dom at the news of this ſactilege is not to be expreſſed.
King Henry above all others, at the firſt news of it,
forgot not only his animoſity againſt the ſaint, but even
the dignity of his crown to abandon himſelf to the hu-
miliation and affliction of a penitent who bewailed his
fins in ſackcloth and aſnes. He ſhut himſelf up tluee
days in his cloſet, taking almoſt no nouriſhment, and
admitting no comfort: and for forty days never went
abtoad, never had his table or any diverſions as uſual,
having always before his eyes the death of the holy pre-
late. He 92 but howled and cried out in
che exceſs of his grief. He ſent deputies to the pope 0
66) Bened, Abbas in vits Hear, II. T. 1. p. 1a.
prayers
bang;
Nec. 29. S.. THOMAS,” R. M. 299
aſſure him that he had neither commanded nar: intended
that execrable murder. His holineſs '£xcommunicated
the aſſaſſins, and ſent two legates to the king into Nor-
vuha found him in the moſt edify ing diſpoſitions
of a ſincere penitent. His majeſty ſwore to them that
he aboliſhed the pretended cuſtums and the abuſes which
had ercited the zeal of the faint, and reſtored all the
church lands and revenues which he had uſurped; and
was ordered for his penance to maintain two hundred
ſoldiers in the holy war for a year. Tlus miraculous
converſion of the king, and reſtitution of the liberties
of the church was looked upon as the effect of the ſaint's
prayers and blood. Seven lepers were cleanſed, the
blind, the deaf, the dumb, and others ſick of all kind
of diſtempers were cured by his 1nterceflion, and fame
dead reſtored to life. (A) Nope Alexander ill. publiſh-
46 1854 8 wtf & f ; "1 TTY . »
- (d) On the miracles wrought at the ſhrine of St. Thomas, fee
the Ade of his canonization : the letter af John of Saliſbury to
William, archbiſhop of Sens, legate of the apoſtolic ſee ; the au-
thors of the life of this holy mattyr, and our hiſtorians of that age
The keeper of his ſhrine,” a monk at Canterbury, was commiſſioned
to commit to writing miracles the ſaint's iuter-
ceſſion, which came to his knowledge. An Engliſk MS. tranſla tion
of a Latin hiſtary of theſe miracles, compiled by a monk who lived
in the monaſtery of Chriſt-church at the time of the faint's martyr-
dom, is kept in 1he. library of William Conſtable, Eſq; at Burton
Conſtable, in Holderneſe, (L n. 267.) ber with « life of St.
Thomas. Certain facts there mentioned that the king's officers
had then frequent recourſe to the trial of-witer-ordesl. Two men
were impeached upon the foreſt-at for ſtealing deer; and being
tried by the water-ordeal, one was caſt, and hanged ; the other by
invoking St. Thomas's interceſſion eſcaped. Another. accuſed” of
bevieg folk a wherſbas ad pak of gloves, was convided by the
water-ordeal : and his eyes were dug out, and ſame of his members
cut off: but were perfeCtly reſtored to him by the interceſſion of the
martyr which he implored. It is here mentioned, that the martyr's
body was at firſt-hid by the monks in a vault before the altar of St.
John Baptiſl and St. Auſtin, but was ſoon made known, viſited out
of devotion, and honoured by the miraculous eures of ſeveral diſ-
eaſed perſons. The monks kept the door of the vault ſhut with
ſtrong bolts and locks, and only admitted certain perſons privately
to it ; but on Friday in Eafter-week, on the nones of April, the door
was opened; and all perſons were permitted to perform. their devou-
ons at the tomb. this ſome. of the faior's. enemies and mur-
derers muſtered a troop of armed men to ſteal the body; to Fong
* Whic
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ed the bull of his canonization in 1473. Philip, after-
wer ponies Aupuſtus, ſon to. Lime VII. af France,
— Le and e deſpaired of by the phy ſiciant, the
ther ſpen dend days and nights in tears/tefu(-
A. dere He was advertiſed at three nights
in ichis ſleep by: St. Thomas, whom he had knowng to
make a pilgrimage to his ſnrine at Canterbury. He [ſet
but aghinſt — es of his nobility tho were! appre-
botbnuttow! nisiniam o $0:12an3g ef t bop bre 28
whidy the monks hd it acſoond time being t alt of. ur Lady: father r
pet ĩt 7 e be again reſorted to. il Gooey to him e
F 8 7 e
ephen chbiſhop of at
1 irn the 6 wan f - 2119 ery — of Scot,
E:AolME.:rearkso In En of 3 Seen ties in tl
| hand of La non df R -A s 18 old king
d of Ani 75 A to the {
hunt 263. . oper 0 ee KOs old, miles be
ne - cr
ing, contraſted a rupture fo deſperate, that all
Relves! if it incurable thou un incin on which! the
— dich as too dangerous, conſidering the great ten-
cle tneſi — his age and conſtitution. All methods uſed for à cure Er
the child died in the ſcond year of his wge. The countels his mo-
ther took him on het knees, put into his mouth; « little particle of
the relicks of S.. Thomas, which ſhe had brought: front Canterbury
and prayed for tho here that St. Thomas would: by his. interceſſion
with Gdd reftore bim to life. Several knights, the ' countels: oi
Warwick and others were preſent. - Her - chaplain Mr. Lambert, a
venerable old man,” ſharply rebuked her: but the contigyed to pray,
adding a'vow that if he was reſtored, che ) ſhould- be offered to God
at tde ſhrine of | the:marryr, and be would mike 2 pilgrimage bare-
foot to Canterbury. The infant at length opened tus eyes,. and ir-
vived,.- The mother performed her yow, carried, W her arme 10
Canretbury, whither-ſhe-walked barefoot {2257 =!
"The aufhor of Mis relation was eye-witneſs to man y of. the mirs-
cles he records} and the book was abroad in the of the pubs
ray wg. 3 oor fifty — * r
or the- original c onged to Thomas Tri bi 0-
cheſter, whoſ&ball. Bears date March 6th, .1363 ; and .
the tem poralitdes of that ſee Dec. 26th, 13645 the: thirty-eighth of
Edward-H. and Gied about Chriſtmas in 994% n e
Abe relation muſt be very ancient, becauſe the author mentions
biſhops giving eonſitmation io children whilſt on horſeback, and tria's
of 4 8 — St. Thomas he ſays always alighted 0
occaſions, but "adminiſtered the ſacrament in the open ait:
ih ſeveral places where he was known to have alighted: for th
pers crolſos were ae ende, and wete 1 for wirs
' F, « ”
* ee 1 g ment 10 80 5 4 1711
that his |
and ſighe
bled hear
diſcipline
ſpent the
out takir
to the ch
Ing maſs
cruel ene!
men, Se
obtained
times: bi
deſerved 1
feſſion of
Us neck,
oft unw
he receive
entiments
rs, they r
bf 2
ind, were
emorſe of
but ſo muc
ime after
Vol, X
X.
Dec. 29- S. THOMAS, B. M. 401
henſive of dangers: he was met by king Henry at the
entrance of his dominions, and conducted by him to the
: the tomb of the martyr. After his prayer he beſtowed on
aul, the church a gold cup, and ſeveral preſents on the monks
ghts with great privileges. Upon his return into France he
found his ſon perfectly recovered: through the merits of
elſe St. Thomas, in 1179: bi- J ia
pre- God was pleaſed to chaſtiſe king Henty as he had done
David. His ſon the young king rebelled, becauſe his
Lady: father refuſed the ceſſion of any part of his dominions
os to him during his own life. He was ſupported by the
y, on greateſt part of the Engliſh nobility, and by the king
boved of Scotland, who committed the moſt unheard-of cruel-
in, ties in the northern provinces which he laid waſte. The
old king in his abandoned condition made a pilgrimage
ss the ſhrine of St. Thomas, walked barefoot three
ol, miles before the town over the pebbles and, ſtones, ſo
bi. the that his feet were all bloody, and at the tomb his tears
t ten: and ſighs were the only voice: of his contrite and hum-
ailivg; Wl bled heart before God. He would receive a ſtroke of a
am. diſcipline from all the biſhops, prieſts, and canons, and
„ppent there that whole day and the night following with-
rhury; . SPAR
ceſlion WJ out taking any nouriſhment, and made great preſents
eſs: o to the church. The next morning whilſt he was hear
ect; 2 Bing maſs near the tomb, the king of Scotland, his moſt
cel enemy, was taken priſoner by a ſmall. number of
. bares men. Soon after his ſon threw himſelf at his feet, and
2d res obtained pardon, | He indeed revolted again feveral
ring times: but falling ſick, by the merits of St. Thomas;
deſerved to die a true penitent. He made a public on-
pubs feſſion of his ſins, put on ſackcloth, and a cord about
onas: Ibis neck, and would be dragged by it out of bed as the
moſt unworthy of ſinners, and laid on aſhes, on which
e received the viaticum, and died in the moſt perfect
entiments of repentance. As to the four murdet-
entios W's, they retired to Caareſburg, a houſe belonging to one
4 trials f them, namely, Hugh of Morvil, in the weſt of Eng-
wo ind, were ſhunned' by all men, and diſtracted with the
emorſe of their own conſcience, they lived alone wich-
put ſo much as a ſervant that would attend them. Some
ime aſter they travelled into Italy to receive abſolution
Vol. XII. d x N
An S. T HOM As, B. M. Dec. 29,
fromthe pape. His holineſs enjomed them a pilgrimag
FG ee where three of them ſhut Glen op
in 4 place called Montenigro, as in a priſon of penance,
as the pope had ordered them, and lived and died true
penitents, © They were. burje before the gate of the
church of Jeruſalem with this epitaph: Here lie the
wretches who martyred bleſſed Thomas archbiſhop. of
Canterbury.“ The other Who! bad given the firſt wound,
deferred a little while to commence his | penance, and
Ropping at Coſenaa in Calabria there died of a miſera-
ble diſtemper, in which his fleſh rotted from his body
and fell to pieces. He never ceaſed, to implore with
ſighs and tears the interceſſion of St. Thomas, as the
biſhop of that city, who heard his confeſſion, teſtified.
All the four murderers died within three years after che
martyrdom of the. ſaint. en
The body of the martyr was firſt buried in the lower
part of the church: but ſhortly after taken up and laid
in a ſunfptuous ſhrine in the eaſt end. So great were
the offerings thereat, that the church all round about it
abounded with more than princely riches, the meaneſt
part of which was pure gold, garniſhed with many pre-
Cious ſtones, as William Lambarte ()) and Weever (8)
aſſure us. The largeſt of theſe was the royal diamond
wen by. Lewis, king of France. The marble ſtones
fore the place remain to this day very much worn and
hollowed by the knees of the pilgrims who prayed there.
The ſhrine itſelf is thus deſcribed. by John Stow. (9)
it vas built about a man's height all of ſtone : then
wpwards' of plain timber, within which was an 1ron
_ theft containing the bones of Thomas Becket, as alſo
the fkull-with the wound of his death, and the piece cut
et of the ſkull, leid in the fame wound. The timber-
work of this ſhrine-on the outſide was covered with plates
of gold, damaſked and emboſſed, garniſhed with bro- .
ches, images, angels, chains, precious ſtones, and great
oriental pcarls: the ſpoils of which ſhrine in gold and
jewels of an ineſtimable value, filled two great cheſts,
( Lambarte in bis Perambulation of Kent, Anno 1563.
0 se Teen! Morumyats p. 292. (9) $tow's Annals
a. —
*
DD YT ooo
Dee. 19. S. THOMAS, B. M. 403
one of which ſix or eight men could do no more than
convey out of the church. All which was taken to the
king's' uſe, and the bones of St. Thomas, by command
of Jord Cromwell, were there burnt to aſhes, in Sep-
tember 1538, of Henry VIII. the thirtieth.” His hair-
ſhirt is ſhewn in a reliquary in the Engliſh college at
Dovay : a ſmall part in the abbey of Lleſſe: a bone of
his arm in the great church of St. Waldetrude at Mons:
(10) his chalice in the great nunpery at Bourbourg: His
mitre, and linen dipped in his blood at St. Bertin's at St.
Omer: veſtments in many other monaſteries, &c. in the
Low-countties, &c. (e775 -t _ _
Zeal for the glory of God is rhe'firſt property or
rather the ſpirit and” perfection of his holy love, and
ought to be the peculiar virtue of every Chriſtian, efpe-
cially of every paſtor of the church. How is God de-
lighted to ſhower down his heavenly graces on thoſe who
are zealous fcr his honour ! How will he glorify them ia
heaven as on this account he glorified Phinees even on
earth. (11) Whar-zeal for his Father's glory did not
Chriſt exert on earth! How did this holy fire burn. in
the breaſts-of the apoſtles and of all the ſaints! But in
the exercife of zeal itſelf how many, ſnares are to be
feared! and how many Chriſtians ' deceive themſelyes!
Self. love is ſubtle in ſeducing thoſe who do not know
themſelves. Humour, pride, avarice, captice and paſ-
ſon frequently are paſſed for zeal. But the true condi
tions of this virtue are, that it be prudent, difintereſted
and intrepid, Prudent in never being precipitanty in
uſing addreſs, in employing every aft to draw fnners
from the dangerous paths of vice, and in prackiſing pa-
tienee in inſtructing the moſt ſtupid, and in 1 64
with the obſtinacy and malice of the impenitent. It 1
a miſtake to place holy zeal in an impetnous ardour g
the ſoul, which can be no other than the reſult of paſ⸗
hon, Secondly, it muſt he difintereſted or pure in its
(10) 'Brafſeur, The.” Reliquiaruiti Hihntioniz, p. 199
Lr
(/) See Hivetden's True Church, part 3. c. 3 P. $14. Where he
anſwers the flanders of Leſle. | e
D d 2
Preacher. (12) The ſervant of God is not anxious about
Tix own life; but is folicitons that God be honoured.
„„ „00
accompanies him in all places and in every ſituation.
X By this he is great not only in adverſity, being through
it firm under perſecutions and conſtant in torments, but
alſo in riches, grandeur and proſperity, amidſt which it
inſpires him with humility, moderation and holy fear,
and/animates all his actions and deſigns with religion and
divine charity. der fo orig wi. tor Hu tht
| : Ox Tas S uf DAN. |
St. MarcELLus, Abbot of the Accmetes, C. The
Order of the Acœmetes differed; fram other Baſilian
monks only by this particular rule, that each monaſtery
was divided into ſeveral choirs, which, ſucceeding one
another, continued the divine office day and night with-
out interruption ; whence was derived their name, which
fignifies in Greek, without fler p. This inſtitute was ſet
on foot, by a Syrian nobleman, named Alexander, who
had bore an honourable.:.command. in the army ſeveral
years; but renouncing, the world in 402, built a mo-
naſtery upon the banks of the Euphrates, in which he
aſſembled four hundred monks. Coming afterwards to
Conſtantinople, he founded a monaſtery not far from
the city, toward the Euxine ſea, in which he governed
three hundred monks, whom he divided into ſix choirs.
Alexander died in 430. Bollandus gives his life on the
15th of Janyary, and he is honoured with the title of
faint when incidently mentioned in the Menæa, but lis
name ſeema never to have been commemorated in an
* (32) Mark vi.
Dec. 29. S. MARCELLUS, A. C. 40
calendar either of the Eaſtern or Weſtern church. His
ſucceſſor John removed his community to a monaſtery:
which he built at Gomon, a mile from Conſtantinople,
St. Marcellus, who was choſe third abbet of this houfey
raiſed the reputation of this order to te higheſt pitch.
He was a native of Apatea in Syria; and, by the death
of his parents, who were rich and of noble "deſcent; he
el maſter of a plentiful fortune hen he was in the
flower of his age. Conſidering ſeri with what va-
nities the little interval between a man's birth and his
death is uſually filled in the world, he conceived a great
diſtaſte of its fooleries, and repaĩring to Antioch, made
ſaered ſtudies, and the exerciſes of devotion, his whole
employment, By holy meditation he ſaw daily more
and more clearly the emptineſs of all worldly occupations
and enjoyments. - An infant with all its childiſhi"toys-
about it, thinks itſelf happy; and what are theſe; if
compared to thoſe fooleries which in manhood are call?
ed buſineſs or amuſements? From this contempt of
eartkly things, his love of thoſe which are heavenly,
daily grew ſtronger; and it was not long before he wet
ſtowed on the poor his whole perſonal eſtate, and ſettled
his real eſtate upon a younger brother. Thus diſincum-
bered, he repaired to Epheſus, and there put himſelf
under the direction of certain eminent ſervants of God:
The greateſt part of the night he ſpent in prayer, and
the day he employed in copying good books, by the
ſale of which he gained not only his on ſubliſtence; |
but alſo wherewith to relieve the poor. The reputation
of the auſterity: and ſolitude of the Acœmetes drew him
thither; and taking the habit, he ran in a religious
courſe with ineredible atdou r.
Upon the death of Alexander, the founder and firſt
abbot, Marcellus: had been choſen to fill his place, had
he not concealed himſelf by a timely flight. :v When he
returned; John, who had been choſen: /compellie@
him to be his aſſiſtant in the diſcharge of his office: ant
upon his demiſe Marcellus was raiſed to that dignity. |
The Order flouriſhed exceedingly under his prudent an
faintly adminiſtration; and fen he was at a loſs how
lufficiently to enlarge his buildings, he was abundantly
— — CE — — ——.
ſupplied with means for that purpoſe, by Pharetrius,
a very opulent gentleman, who the habit with all
his ſons. on the ſame. day. About the year-465, Studius,
a nobleman whechad betn conſul in 463, founded for
him and his manks a great monaſtery within the city,
near the golden gate, in which there are ſaid to have
been one thouſand monks at tho fame time. This houſe
being called by the ſounder's name, the Actemetes were
from that time called Studites. St. Marcellus aſſiſted at
the council of Conſtantinople, aſſembled by St. Flavian
againſt Eutyches, hoſt hereſy our holy abbot condemn-
ed, with the prelates who compoſed that venerable aſ-
ſembly. St. Marcellus ſpent ſixty years in a monaſtic
ſtate, and his long life was all filled with good: works.
He died in 485 or 486, and is honoured both by the
Latins and Greeks on this day. See his authentic life
is Furius, Bulteau, Bonanni, Herman, Scoonbeck and
Helyot, Felde elch
40 24 . NnAAaSmums' io cgnitud 5:
„St. ,EvRouLl; Abbot, - C. Evroul, called in Latin
Ebrulfus, was bom at Bayeux in 817, and was: of the
moſt illuſtrious family of that countty. But he learned
from: his cradle to eſteem nothing great but what is ſo in
e eyes of God. The ſame ſentiments he made the
rule of his haly and diſintereſted conduct in the court
of king Childebert I. Who, being charmed with his ac-
eompliſhments both of mind and body, raiſed. him to
| poſts of honour: and authority which he never
ught: for all his ambition aimed at goods infinitel)
ſutpaſſing thoſe of the earth, for which he teſtified a
total indifference, even whilft they flowed in upon him
unaſked. He ſhewed by his example how poſſible it is
for a Chriſtian to live in the votld without being of it
in ſpiiit, and to poſſeſs riches without being poſſeſſed by
tem. But then he made continual uſe of the antidotes
which heaven has afforded us to fence our hearts againſt
that contagious nir, which are aſſiduous prayer, pious
reading, meditation, and the mortification of the ſenſes.
His friends importuned him to matry, and he choſe 4
virtuous wife, whoſe inclinations were perfectly ſuitable
to his own. By reading the lives of the ſaints they mu-
place our confidence in the
S. B VRO IL, X Co 47+
Dec. 261
tually inflamed each other with a deſire of ſorſaking the,
world. In:this vicw they agreed to a ſeparation, and
ſhe took the veil in a holy nunnery, whilſt he diſtri-
buted his whole fortune among the poor. It was how-
ever, a: conſiderable time before he was able to obtain
the leave of king Clothaire I. (who, after the death of
his brother Childebert, was become maſter of all France)
to retire from court. At length he red it by reite-
tated ĩimportunities, and without delay took refuge in u
monaſtery in the dioceſs of Bayeux. By his profound
humility, fervour, and all heroic virtues, he gained the
eſteem and veneration of his fellow monks. But the
reſpect which he met with was to him a true affliction;
he regarded it as a ſnare, and a temptation, to vanity;
To ſhun it, he, with three others, privately withdrew,
and hid himfelf in the moſt remote; part of the foreſt of
Ouche, in the dioceſs of Liſieux, which was only inha-
bited by wild beaſts and robbers.; Theſe new hermits
had taken no meaſures for proviſions. They ſettled near
a ſpting of clear water, made an inclofute with. a hedge
of boughs, and built themſelves little huts of branches
and mud. A country peaſant difcovered them in this
place, to his great aſtoniſtiment, and advertiſed them.
that the wood was a retreat of -cruel thieves: ** We are
come | hither,” ſaid Evroul, to bewail our fins :; we
he mercy of God, who by: his
providence feeds the birds of the air, and we fear no
one.” The countryman brought them the next morn-
ing three loaves and ſame honey, and was ſo edified by
their converſation; that he ſoon after joined them. One
of the thieves happening to light upon them, ſaw there
was no booty to be expected, and out of humanity and
compaſſion endeavoured to perſuade them that their
lives would be in danger from others of his profeſſion.
Evrout repreſented to him, that having God for their
protector, they ſtood in fear of no danger from men
who could have no inducement to murder thoſe who
ſought to hurt no man, and had no other occupation
than to lead penitential lives, and to pleaſe God. He
then powerfully exhotted him to change his life. The
rbbber was converted upon the ſpot, and going to his
— — — — — — — — — —
408 S.EVROUL,'A.C: Dec. 29.
companions, brought many of them, in the ſame diſpo-
— Mme, to — by whoſe advice —
betook themſelves to till the land, and labour in the
country for an honeſt maintenance. Several of them
choſe to remain with theſe anchorets, in the practice of
penance. They cultivated the land, but it was too bar-
ren to yield them ſufficient nouriſhment, even in their
moſt abſtemious way of living. But the inhabitants of
the country brought them in a little proviſion, +Evroul
accepted their alms, but whatever remained he gave
immediately to other poor, reſerving nothing for the
next day. | Fi 36 64% hee Das mb 3s
The advantages and ſweets of holy ſolitude, in unin-
terrupted contemplation, made him defire to live always
an anchoret, without being burdened with the care of
others, But fraternal charity over-ruled this inclination, .
for he could not remain indifferent to the ſalvation of
his neighbours. He therefore received thoſe. who de-
fired to live in penance under his direction, for whom
he was obliged to build a mon at Ouche in Nor-
mandy, which to this day bears his name. His com-
munity daily increaſing, and many offering him lands,
he built fifteen other monaſteries of men or women, of
which his own always remained the chief, and this he
always governed himſelf.” His affability charmed every
one; he ſeemed to know no pleaſure equal to that of
ſerving his neighbour. He uſed to exhort all to labour,
telling them, that they would gain their bread by their
work, and heaven by ferving God in it. His example
ſufficed to encourage others; by his indefatigable con-
ſtancy in labour, his patience in adverſity, Kia perfect
reſignation to the will of God in all things with equal
joy, and his chearfulneſs in the moſt ſevere practices of
perpetual penance. He arrived at a great old age, though
always ſighing after the joys of eternity. His patience
in his laſt ſickneſs made him ſeem never ſenſible to pain.
He lived forty- ſeven days without being able to take any
thing, except a little water, and the ſacred body of
Jeſus Chriſt. He never ceaſed to exhort his diſciples
till he bid them adieu with joy, ſhutting his eyes to this
world, on the agth of December, 396. His body vas
Venuſt
afterws
comme:
Spoletc
but hi
St. Gre
honour
licks w.
Spoleto
Ado, 1
Hou
examp]
world!
*
Dec. 0. S. SABINUS,” B. &c. MM. 409
buried in the church of St. Peter, which he had built.
His name occurs in Uſuard, and in the Roman mar-
tyrology on this day. See his exact life in Mabilion,
Sec. l. Ben. p. 334. William of Gemblours, &c. alta
Bulteau, l. 2. e. Biomt 11. A i tot 3251132 bn
+ 0: DD RAe m , Nb ad- d LKK. 3
Het e rtl Sol wort: Mies 2D! 71
St. SA BIN US, Biſhop of Aſſiſium, and his
Companions, MM. ech
Abridged from their acts in Baluze and Baronius.
+ 1
n
Taz nic edits of Diocleſian and Maximian,
againſt the Chriſtians, being publiſhed in the ycar 303,
Sabinus, biſhop of Aſſiſium, and ſeveral of his clergy,
were apprehended and kept in cuſtody tif, Venuftianus
the governor” of Etruria and Umbria, came 'thither.
Upon his arrival in that city, he cauſed” the hands of
Sabinus, who had made a glorious confeſſion of his faith
before him, to be cut off; and his two deacons, Mar-
cellus and Exuperantius, to be ſcourged, beaten with
clubs, and torn with iron- nails or broad tenters, under
which torments they both expired. Sabinus is ſaid to
have cured a blind boy; and a weakneſs in the eyes of
Venuſtianus himſelf, who was thereupon converted, and
afterwards beheaded for the faith. Lucius, his ſucce ſſor,
commanded Sabinus to be beaten to death with clubs at
Spoleto. The martyr was buried a mile from that city;
but his relicks have been ſince tranſlated to Faenza.
St. Gregory the Great (1) ſpeaks of à chapel built in his
honour near Fermo, in which he placed ſome of his re-
licks which he had obtained from Chryſanthus, biſhop of
Spoleto. Theſe martyrs are mentioned on this day in
Ado, Uſuard, and the Roman martytology. 0
How powerfully do the martyrs cry out to us by their
example, exhorting us to deſpiſe a falſe and wicked
world ! What have all the philoſophers and princes found
8 (171. 7. ep. 725, 73. L 11, ep. 20.
—
— _
— - —
——U—U—äñũ —
= —
*
1 — — EE — - Wi
C TOE: >> —
£70 S. ANY BI A, M. Deg. 70.
by all their ina and efforts in queſt of happineſs
in it! They only fell from one precipice- into another,
| ing from its true center they ſought it in every
other object, but in their purſuits only wandered farther
and farther from it. A foul can find no reſtin: creatures.
How long then ſhall we ſuffer ourſelves to be ſeduced in
their favour I be always deceived, yet always ready to de-
ceive ourſelves againt How long ſhall we ve falſe names
to objects round about» us, and zwe a virtue in
them which they have not Ads net the experience of
near 6000 years enough to undeteive_us! Let the light
of heaven, the truths of the 7 ſhine upon us, and
wn. nan ng Iz epitaph
the learned Antony 2 5 for himſelf, pour
which 1s engravec 410 in oe cathedral of
Florenoe (ad;
That peace the reſt, ok in the fleiir WRT of
At Kuh I taſte; which life, oh] "never gave.
Pain, labour; ſickneſs, tortures, anxious cares;
Grim death, faſts, watchings, ſtrife and racking fears,
Adieu: m joy's at laſt are ever crown'd 3 © *
& And what hop ſo long, my foul hath found.”
On 18 bot; Dar:
St. Autsia, M. Whit the governor Dulcitius
carried on a efuel perſecution at Theſſalonica to grter
the Chriſtians from holdin religious aſſemblies, in 30g,
| in the reign of MaYiumnian Galerius, a chriſtian young lady
b called Any ſia, of rich and noble parents, by whoſe death
| ſhe-was left an orphan, reſolved to go to the afſernbly of
| the faithful. As he paſſed by the gate of Caſſandra, one
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« (@) Quam viyens: orivquain potwi guſtare quietem,
Mlortuus ia folidd jam ſtatione fruor:
Paſſio, cura, labor, mors, tandem et pugna receſſit,
Corpotea; et ſolum mens quod aàvebat, habet.
Dec.
of tl
take!
40 St
infol,
the c
filen
thou,
* .
imme
tothey
tius a
allo.
Fleur)
” St. 4
and ſ
his aff
raiſed
atid th
flood,
of el
nothel
—
le at
power!
a conf;
tihce J
nhitat,
luſtre
CT
ears,
citius
deter
304,
lad)
death
yly of
2, Olle
Dec. 36. S. MAXIMU-S, C. h1t
of the — 4 guards ho happened to ſee her, was
taken with her beauty, and ſtepping before her- ſaid:
« Stay, Whither are you going?“ An yſia ſtartled at his
inſolence, and fearing a temptation, made the ſign of
the croſs upon her forehead. The ſoldier offended at het
filence, ' ſeized her, and aſked her roughly : * Who art
thou, and whither art thou going?“ I am,” ſaid ſhe,
« a ſervant of Jeſus Chriſt, and am going to the Lord's
aſſembly.” I will prevent that,“ ſaid he; “and will
bring thee to ſacrifice to the gods; for to- day we adore
the ſun:“ that day being called by tlie pagans Sunday:
Saying. this, he tore off her veil to diſeover her face.
Anyſia endeavoured to hinder him; but the ſoldier en.
raged; dtew his (word, and ran it through her body,
ſo that it came out on the other fide; She fell down
immediately, trembling and bathed” in her blood, and
there expired. Her name occurs in the Roman mars
tyrology, in the Greek ſynaxary, and the menolo-
gy of the emperor Baſil, on the zoth of December.
See her genuine Greek Acts, alſo her panegyric by Phi-
lotheus patriarch of Conſtantinople, mentioned by Alla-
tius and by Fabricius, Bibl. Græg. T it p.18. Ses
allo. Surius, 30 Decemb. Baron, ad an. 303. n..
Fleury, I. 8. n. 304. eben e 0 Hilo
*
* *
* 1
St. Maxiuus, C.. Amid{t" the ſcabdals, hereſiks
and ſchiſms by which the deyil hath often renewed
his aſſaults againſt the church, Providence. hath. always
raiſed defenders of the faith, who, by their. fortitade
aud the holineſs of their lives, ſtopped the fury of the
flood, and repaired the ravages made on the Kingdom
of Jeſus Chriſt by baſe apoſtate arts. Thus, while Mo,
notheliſin trĩiumphed on the imperial throne, and in the
es of the eaſt, this hereſy found a formida-
le adverſary in the perſon of the holy pope Martin,
powerfully, ſeconded by the whole Latin church, and by
a conſiderable part of the Greek church: and while ar-
tifice joined to perſecution, laboured in the Eaſt to an-
nihilate the truth, faith ſhone wich the Higheſt glory and
luſtre in the zcal, ſufferings and death of St. Maximus,
This life more properly belongs to the 13th of Auguſt.
—
*
— =, + 2. I 8 — —
4 2 33 ut d - .
7 2 = —
> Rn ee L -
c T]T,rrH— << H9nrne- CR
— — =
. -Y
— —
—
— ”
h A - — — — —2.—
— = Me: gt — —
- 1 . 2
a 4 S * 2 — — _-
412 S. MAXIM Us, c. Dee. 30.
Maximus, ſurnamed by the Greeks Homologetes, or Con-
feſſor, was born at Conſtantinople in 580. He ſprung
from one of the moſt noble and ancient families of that
city; and was educated in a manner becoming his high
birth, under the moſt able maſters. But God inſpired
him with knowledge infinitely preferable to that which
ſchools teach, and which the wiſe according to the world
are often unacquainted with; he taught him to know
himſelf, and conceive a due eſteem for fervour and hu-
mility. In vain however his modeſty ſought to veil his
merit, it was ſoon diſcovered at court :-and the emperor
Heraclius ſet fo high a value on his abilities, that he ap-
pointed him his firſt ſecretary of ſtate. This buſy ſcene
far from weakening the fondneſs he had ever entertain-
ed for retirement, filled bim with - apprehenſion, and
determined him. to withdraw from the corruption and
poiſon of vain and worldly honours: '4-
About this time Monotheliſm gained admiſſion at
court, (a) The ſenſible progreſs of that hereſy under
Ii Ren | £3 2 59129; HELI $10 5X 97
(a) The berefy of the Monotheliter, ſo called becauſe they ad-
itted but one will in Jefus Chriſt, was Demi-eutychianiſm. Thoſe
| chiefly broached jt were Theodorus biſhop of Pharan- in Arabia,
Sergius patriarch of Conſtantinople, and Cyrus biſhop of Phaſis in
Colchis, who was afterwards raiſed to the patriarchal ſee. of Alex ·
andria, 'Theſe prelates ſecretly favoured the hereſy of Eutyches.
Inf obedience to the laws of the church, and of the fate, they re-
ceived the council of Caleedon, and owned two natures in Jeſus
nit; but they denied that he had two diſtin& wills; they
aſſerted, that he had but one will, compounded of the human
and divine, and they called it Theandric. Sergius, by birth 4
Spann, was of Jacobite parents. It was by this name the Euty-
ans were known in Syria, on account of one Jacob, ſurnamed
Zangal or Bardai, a Syrian monk, and diſciple. of Severus patriarch
of Antioch, who in his time was the moſt zealous ſupporter of Eu-
tychianiſm, This monk greatly extended the doctrine of his maſter
in Meſopotamia and Armenia, and his followers impudently nick»
named the Catholics | Melcb5tes or Royalifts,. becauſe they received
with the emperor the. council of Calcedon. Sergius, who preſerved
à tin dure of Eutychianiſm, approved a letter that I heodorus of Pha.
ran bad written to him, in which the author owned but one will
in Jeſus Chriſt. He himſelf ſent a letter to Theedorus, wherein the
ſame error was eſtabliſhed; under the name of Menas patriarch of
Conttantinople then dead, falſſy ſuppoſed to have been written to
pope Vigitius. © He brought over to his party Cyrus biſliop of lan,
and h.
ſound
Dec. 30 8. MAXIMUS, c. 413
the countenance of the prince, contributed not a little
to compleat his diſguſt againſt a poſt which expoſed his
faith to ſuch dangerous trials. | He was beſides convinced
and had him made patriarch of Alexandria. This betrayer of the faith
found a formidable adverſary in the perſon of St. Methodius, who a
little time after was elected patriarch of Jeruſalem. Antioch fell un-
der the yoke of the Saracens in the year of Chriſt 638, and the 28th
of Heraclius. The ſee of this city remained vacant many years, It
appears that Athanaſius the Jacobite patriarch,” uſurped the title af
patriarch of Antioch : but he was never elected as tuch, neither did
he ever take poſſeſſion of this church. Sergius having qydained Ma-
cedonius in order to fill up the vacant fee of Conſtantinople, pops
Martin refuſed to acknowledge bim, as he was a Monothelite. Ma-
cedonius however aſſumed that title in the council which thoſe of his
party held at Conſtantinople in 655. He reſided in this city, as well
as his two ſucceſſors, Gregory and Macarius, This lait was depoſed
in the ſixth general council, and ſent to Rome, where he died in his
hereſy, Sergius impoſed on pope Honorius by a letter full of arti-
fice, diſſimulation and falſhood. He pretended: that his only aim
was to prevent diſturbances, and ſcandal: he even falſely advanced
that St. Sophronius patriarch of Jeruſalem (honoured on the 11th
of ro was of opinion, that the queſtion concerning the
will of Jeſus Chriſt ought not to be agitated. Honorius, thus im-
poſed on, returned in 633 an anſwer, wherein he authorised filence
on this queſtion, ** not to ſcandalize, ſaid he, many churches, and
leſt ignorant perſons, ſhocked at the expreſſion of two operations,
might look upon us as Neftorians ; or as Eutychians, if we admitted
but one operation in Jeſus Chtiſt,” (Honor. 15 ad Serg in actis
conc. 6. act. 12. p. 928.) After the death of Honorius in 638, the
ntifical chair was occupied by Severinus, who fat but two months.
bigs John the IVih was elected, who held à council at Rome,
where the hereſy of the Monothelites was condemned, as likewiſe
the Ecthefes of Heraclius. © The Eetheſis was an edi& drawn up by
Sergius. The emperor adopted and publiſhed it in 639, He began
with commanding. filence touching one or two operations in Jeſus
Chriſt'; but he afterwards _—_ declared that there was but one
will in- the Son of God. excuſed himſelf to John the
IVth, in faying that the edict had been drawn up by Sergius, who
yed him to ſigu it. When he underſtood it was condemned at
orfle, he condemned it himſelf and revoked it. John the IVtkh ad-
dreſſed to him Honorius's apology. He there ſhewed that this pope
had always held with St. Leo, and the catholic church, the docs
trine of two wills in Jefus Chriſt ;- that he only denied, that there
were" in Chriſt, as in us, two wills contrary and oppoſite to one
another, that of the fleſh and that of the ſpirit, that he had con-
ſtantly-taught with the goſpel that Jeſus Chriſt had the will of the
human nature, which he had voited to his divinity; Pope John the
IVth died in 642, after having {at twenty-one months. Theodorus
ſueceeded „„ oe! Doing fernon gt eat
— — —— — — > OS —
414 S. MAXIMUS, C. Dec. zo.
that his department in the ſtate would ſoon burthen his
conſcience with the execution of orders contrary to its
dictates and thoſe of religion. He therefore did not heſi-
tate a moment to reſign, and retite to a monaſtery.
But not to give umbrage at court, and: to authorize his
retreat, he alleged divers pretexts, and particularly a
dread of the Arabs, who by their incurſions ſpread alarm
through all the Eaſt, and dared to carry their inſults to
due very gates of Conſtantinople: The Greeks were ex-
hauſted by the wars they had ſupported in the Weſt
againſt the Hunns, and in the Eaſt againſt the Perſians,
Their frequent defeats were a juſt puniſhment. of the
euormities with which they provoked the vengeance of
heaven. As they eontinued incorrigible, divine juſtice
exerciſed them with a new ſcourge, and abandoned them
to the Saracens, a ſerocious race, deriving their origin
from Arabia. Theſe barbarians ſpread themſelves like a
torrent over the empire, and overturned every thing that
oppoſed their paſlage. ene
Heraclius, who in his adverſity had ſought God with
all his heart, and had experienced the effects of his pro-
tection, on a proſperous turn in his affairs forgot his di-
vine bene factot. He bluſted not to declare for hereſy,
and to put his confidence in men ſtudied in nothing but
the vile arts of diſſimulation and deceit. He ſcandalized
the whole empire by his indolence, and” tarniſhed by
ſhameful diforders the glory he at firſt had acquired by
his bravery and virtue. He- ſuffered. the ſect of Maho-
met ( to. eſtabliſh\ itſelf among the Saracens, who
- (5). Mahomet, or rather Mohammed, began to-publiſh his pre-
tended revelations in the 38th year of his age, and the 608th of Je-
ſus Chriſt. .. Some time after, with the help of a Jew and a Netto-
rian monk he compiled his alcoran; It is a monſtrous heap of ab-
ſurdity and nonſenſe,” without defign or connexion ; and though we
find ip it ſome paſſages that ſtrike with a certain air of grandevr,
the whole is ſo foolſh and puetile, and ſo full of repetitions, that
one would need. much patience to read any part of it even once.
Mahomet engaged his wife Cadigna, and three of the principal in-
habitants of ; Abnbeker, Ochman and Omar to embrace bis
ſyitem of religion and called it m, a term, which according to
Dr Pocock, ſignifies. obedience to God, and his prophet; Hence his
vers" are diſtinguiſhed to this day by the name of Moſlem ot
Muſſalmen. Mahomet was perſecuted by the Coreiſhites, who *
Dec.
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Dec. 30 8. MAXIMU$; c. 415
in his reign, laid the foundation of their formidable
empire. A ſucceſſion of misfortunes at length awak -
ed him from his lethargy. And while | each: day ac-
TER” | rn29k--yI9S72a19 trie 12 ;
of his own tribe; neither were his partiſans ſpayed, The impoſtor
fled to Yethreb, where he already had many diſciples : from which
this town took the name of Medina t Lnabi, or the prophe:'s town,
It was alſo called ſimply Medina, or the Town,” It was from this
flight, which happened the .16th of July 622, that the Hegira of
the Arabs, that is to ſay, the epoch from which the Mahometans
date their years, commenced. In 628, Mahomet was declared
chief in religious and civil matters, with the title of Prophet. A
little after, he reduced the Coreiſhites to his ſeQ, as well as the
whole city of Mecca, and ſized on a great part of Arabia before
his death, which happened at Medina, on the 1 +th year of the He-
ira, the 23d of Heraclius, and the 632d, of. Jeſus Chriſt. Abu»
ker, whole daughter he had married, held the ſovereignty with
the title of Caliph, or vicar of the prophet. Mahomet ordered his
followers to oblige all nations to embrace his religion, or pay tribute
by force of arms. (Alcoran, ch. ix. C 29. ch. nip þ 40.) Abubeker
employed his forces in the conqueſt of Syria, His armies defeated
thoſe of Heraclius in many battles, aad Ka Daciafcus the 23d of Au-
guſt 634, the very day he died at Medina. Omar, one of whoſe
daughters alſo Mahomet had married, ſucceeded him. He took Jeru-
ſalem in 637, Antioch in 638, and Alexandria in 640, by his general
Amrou. The reduction of this city was followed by the conqueſt
of all Egypt. A little after, the Caliph ſeized on Tripoli, and al-
moſt all Barbary. In 641, one of his armies reduced Iſpahan, ca-
uu of Perſia. In the courſe of Othman's reign, who ſacceeded
mar in 643, all Perfia ſubmitted to the Saracen yoke ; Yazdegerd
laſt king of the Saxanite family having been aſſaſſinated by his own
domeſtics in 651. Thus the Saracens. in leſs than thirty years found-
ed an empire equal to that of the Romans, God employing this peo-
ple as a ſcourge to puniſh the fins of many nations. At length hows
ever the vaſt dominions they poſſeſſed, were divided into many king-
doms. We. have three' principal lives of Mahomet, one by M. de
Boulainvilliers, another by Prideaux, and a third by Gagnier, Ara-
bie profeſſor at Oxford. The firſt is a romance, add jhe author”
only aim in it was to give an advantageous idea of the alcoran ral:
Mahomet. Prideaux is too partially led by the Greek ' hiſtorians,
who lived in à country diſtant from ns, and whoſe-coun-
trymen were at war with this people. Gagnier though a mean
heavy ers OP = be depended , 'than pe 5 1 See the
hiſtory of the firſt Saracen-Caliphs by Ockley, Gagnief”s ſucceſſor ;
the excellent edition, of the Alcoran, by Maracci,, with the. Prodro-
mus & 'Refutatio Alcorani by the ſame author. Herbelos Bibl: Orient.
Reland de Relig. Mohamm. Abulfled de vita Mohammedis cum
verſione & notis Joan. Gagnier. "Oxon. 723; Gregor. Abulfuragt
ria compend! Dynaſtiarum, Arabice & Latine, ab Edm. oe
aon.
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quainted him with ſome new defeat, he was pene-
trated with grief to ſee the Roman empire which had
given laws, to the uni verſe, become the prey of
barbarians. His ſormer bravery ſeemed to revive: he
Taiſed armies, but they were conſtantly overthrown,
Aftoniſhed at the victories of the Arabs, who were great-
ly inferior to the Greeks in number, ſtrength and diſci-
pline, he demanded one day in council what could be
the cauſe, All holding ſilence, a grave perſon of the
aſſembly ſtood up, and faid : © It is becauſe the Greeks
have diſhonoured the ſanctity of their profeſſion, and no
longer retain the doctrine taught by Jeſus. Chriſt, and
his diſciples. They inſult and oppreſs one another, live
in enmity and diſſentions, and abandoned to the moſt
infamous uſuries and luſts. The emperor acknowledg -
ed the truth of this cenſure. In reality the vices of the
Greeks at that period excited, according to one of their
moſt celebrated writers, ſuch odium, that the very infi-
dels held them in deteſtation. Indeed all their hiſtori-
ans bear. witneſs to their diſorders, and the Arabs repre-
ſent them in colours ſtill higher charged. (r)
St. Maximus declared himſelf on every occaſion the
defender of the faith and of virtue. But neither his ex-
ample or advice were followed. Seeing then that his em-
5 ment, was incompatible with his principles, and that
ſtrove in vain to arreſt the impetuoſity of the torrent,
he extorted from the emperor a permitlion to retire to
Chryſopolis, where he took the monaſtic habit. In his
folitude, he recommended: to. God the calamities of his
people, and armed himſelf with fortitude againſt the dan-
to which his foul was expoſed. Dreading even in
ue the ſnares which the heretics laid on every
ſide, he reſolved to go to Africa, in ſearch of a more
ſecure retreat. Sergius the Monothelite patriarch: of
Conſtantinople dying about the end of the year 638,
he was ſucceeded by Pyrrhus a monk of Chry ſopolis.
| (1) Theophan. Chron. p. 256. Ockley, Hiſt, des Sarraz. T. I.
DME · uns 4) n 2
Oxon. 1663. 2 vols. Sale in his preliminary diſcourſe, and in bis
notes 09 the Korab, diſcovers too much partiality in favour of Ma-
Dec.
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Dec. 30. S. MAXIM UZ, C: 417
Pyrrhus walked in the ſteps of his predeceſſor; like
him, a famous ſtickler for hereſy. Heraclius, who
died in 641, was ſucceeded by Conſtantine, his eldeſt ſon.
This prince ſurvived his father but 103 days. His ſtep-
mother Martina and the patriarch were accuſed of poiſon-
ing him. (2) At leaſt it is certain that Pyrthus in con-
cert with that princeſs placed her ſon Heracleonas on the
imperial throne, in prejudice of Conſtantius, ſon of Con-
ſtantine. But they were not long able to maintain this
unjuſt uſurpation. Before the end of Oꝭ ober of the ſame
year, Conſtantius was put in poſſeſſion of the empire by
the people: Martina had her tongue torn out, and He-
racleonas his noſe flit, and were both ſent into baniſh-
ment by a decree of the ſenate, Pyrrhus having juſt
reaſons to fear the fury of the populace, ſecretly with-
drew from Conſtantinople, and fled into Africa, where he
endeavoured to gain friends and proſelytes to Monothe-
liſm. St. Maximus finding the catholie faith thus dan -
gerouſly expoſed, exerted his moſt ſtrenuous endeavours
to preſerve-its- integrity. Pyrrhus, a petfect diſſembler,
affected notwithſtanding to be laviſh in the. praiſe of
Maximus, whom he had never even ſeen, Pyrthus hay;
ing quitted the - monaſtery of Chryſopolis before the
ſaint had retired to it. 9 1 ali een
The patrician Gregory, governor of Africa, engaged
St. Maximus to hold a 2 with Pyrrhus,
in hopes of his eonverſion. It was accordingly held at
Carthage in July 645. Along with the governor there
was a reſpectable and numerous aſſembly of biſhops
and other perſons of diſtinction. Pyrrhus arguing that
as there was but one perſon in Jeſus Chriſt which . wills,
concluded thence, that there could be in him no more
_ than one will. St. Maximus proved againſt him, that
the unity of perſons in Jeſus Chriſt did not imply a
unity of natures; that being God and man at the ſame
time, the- divine and human natures; muſt have their
reſpective powers of volition; that it is an itapiety to
allert that the will by which he hath created and go-
verns all things, is the ſame as that by which he eat and
drank on earth, and prayed. his father to emoye From
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418 S. MAXI MUS, C. Dec. 30.
him, if poſſible, the chalice of his paſſion; that the will
is a property eſſential and inſeparable from the nature,
fo that in denying Jeſus Chriſt a human will,” you ſtrip
bim of an effential part of his humanity, which is
Demi-Eutychianiſm, and that in reaſoning conſequenti-
ally, pure Eutychianiſm muſt be admitted, which con-
fiſts in denying that there are to diftin natures in je-
ſus Chriſt. Maximus juſtified afterwards St, Menas of
Conſtantinople, Vigilius and Honorius. This laſt doubt-
leſs was wrong in agreeing for ſome time to be ſilent
on the article in queſtion; but he had only denied that
there were two contrary wills in Jeſus Chriſt, as in us,
that is to ſay, a will of concupiſcence which revolts
againſt the ſpirit. The ſaint proved this point by the
expreſs teſtimony of abbot John,, who in quality of ſe·
cretary, had written the letter of Honorius, wherein he
makes his declaration on this ſubject to John the IVth,
ſuceeſſor of Honorius himſelf, “Sergius having written
that ſome admitted two contrary wills in Jeſus Chriſt,
we anſwered that theſe wills could not be admitted,
that is to fay, chat there could not be in Jeſus Chriſt a
will of the fleſh-and a will of the ſpirit, as in us fin-
ners.“ (3) Maximus confirmed this doctrine in ſhew-
ing, that in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghoſt,
there is but one will, becauſe - the three divine perſons
have but one and the ſame nature. (
The iſſue of-this- conference was, that Pyrrhus de-
clared he had no more difficulties about any article,
and ſhewed a great defire to preſent in writing his
retractation io the pope, He kept his word: and repair-
ing to Rome, he put into pope Theodore's hands, in the
reſence of the clergy and the people, a paper wherein
he condemned all he had done or taught againſt the
faith. (5) After ſo ſolemn a retractation, Theodore
ordered that a chair ſhould be placed ſor him at the ſide
of the altar, and charged himſelf with the expence of
his maintenance. But Pyrrhus ſoon renounced the of-
3. fa 01:65 iy | oh
| (3) See Nat. Alex, Hiſt. Eccleſ. «fl de ** nn *
'To rnel , de Incarn, - &c. ) e Act. iſput. cum -Pytrho,
infer Pg 8. © Ma'ximi ; & Cone. f. 5. p. 1784. (5) Anaſtaſ. i
Theoder. -Theoph. ad an. 20. Heracl. p. 274.
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thodox ſentiments he had publiſhed. On his coming to
Ravenna, he relapſed into his errors, at the inſtigation
of the Exarch, who flattered him with the hope of re-
covering the ſee of Conſtantinople. One Paul, allo a
Monothelite, then occupied that ſee. He perſuaded the.
emperor Conſtantius to ſubſtitute to the Ectheſis, pub-
liſhed by his grand-father Heraclius, a new edict, which
favoured neither party, and impoſed filence in the point
controverted. This edict appeared in 648, under the
name of the Typus, or the Formulary. Pope Theodore
informed of the apoſtacy of Pyrrhus, in a couhcil held»
in the church of St. Peter, pronounced againſt him a
entence of excommunication and depoſition ; as alſo.
againſt Paul, whom he had in yain endeavoured to re-
concile to the church by his letters and by his legates,
He alſo condemned the Typus of Conſtantius. But be-
fore he ſaw the concluſion of this buſineſs, he was taken
off by death the 2oth of April, 649. St. Martin ſuc+,
ceeded him, St. Maximus pajd this pope a viſit at
Rome, and aſſiſted at the council of Lateran, which,
was held in the month of October of the ſame year
649. Paul dying in 655, Pyrrhus was reinſtated in the
ſee of Conſtantinople; but he did not ſurvive his re-
eſtabliſhment more than four months and twenty-three;
days; when he was ſucceeded, by Peter a. prieſt of the
ſame church, alſo a Monothelite, 46k 3 h
The holy pope Martin dying in 655, St. Maximus,
was arreſted at Rome, by the. emperor's order, and
brought to Conſtantinople, with Anaſtaſius his diſciple,
and another Anaſtaſius who had been chancellor of the
Roman church. On the evening of the day of their
arrival, two officers and ten life-guards were ſent
to remove them out of the veſſel, and conduct
them to different priſons. under a. ſtrict guard. Same
days after, they were led to the palace, and into a hall
where the ſenate was afſembled, ſurrounded by a great
multitude of people. St. Maximus being placed in the
midſt of the aſſembly, the treaſurer, loaded him with
reproaches, and aſked him in a very, angty. tone, if he
were a Chriſtian. Yes, / anſwered Maximus, by: le
grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. The. treaſurer then
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420 S. MAXIMUS, c. Dec. 30.
accuſed him of treaſon, alleging he had perſuaded Peter,
governor of Numidia, not to fend troops to Egypt to
expel the Saracens, which gave theſe barbarians the op-
portunity of making themſelves maſters, not only of
that country, but likewiſe of Pentapolis, Tripoli, and
the proconſular Africa. It was not hard for Maximus to
juſtify himſelf. But at the ſame time he owned that
being at Rome, he had ſaid to an officer, that the em-
peror's power was not ſacerdotal; that the union pro-
| . by the Typus could not be received; that the ſi-
ce preſcribed was a real ſuppreſſion of the faith,
which could never be permitted; that with ſuch prin-
ciples Jews and Chriſtians might be united, theſe filent
on bdptiſm, thoſe on circumciſion ; that this union would
find room with the Arians alſo, by the ſuppreſſion of the
9 of the Word. The treaſurer not know-
ing what to anſwer to this diſcourſe, only ſaid that a man
ſuch as Maximus, ought not to be ſuffered in the empire.
Others added reproaches ſtill more jnjurious. Anaſta-
fins, the ſaint's diſciple, was afterwards examined; but
as he could not raiſe his voice high enough to be heard
by all, the guards buffeted him ſo cruelly, that they
left him for half dead. The two confeſſors were then
brought back to priſon. The ſame evening the patrician
Troiltis accompanied with two officers of the palace,
came to ſee Maximus, with a deſign to perſuade bim w
communicate with the church of Gouftamicophe. The
faitit defired that they would previouſly condemn the
hereſy of the Monothelites, who had been excommu-
nicated by the council of Lateran, and reproached
them with having changed their own doctrine. As they
accuſed him of condemning them all, he anſwered:
2 God forbid, Tſhould condemn any one: but I would
rather die than Aa faith in the ſmalleſt article.”
| officers preſſing him to receive the Typus for the
fake of peace, and confeſſing at the fame time, that
they acknowledged two wills in Jeſus Chriſt, he pro-
trated himſelf on the earth, with tears in his eyes, and
Faid; lt is not my intention to diſpleaſe the empero!,
but cannot conſent᷑ to offend God,” As they accuſed
him of turning others by his example from commun
Dec. 30. S. MAXIM US, C. 421
cating with the church of Conſtantinople, and of ſtain-
ing the reputation of the emperor, by condemning tlie
Typus, he juſtified himſelf, declaring that he was far
from taxing the prince with hereſy, ſince the Typus was
not his work; which he moreover did not ſign until he
had been impoſed on by the enemies of the church : he
added that he ardently wiſhed to ſee him diſavow it, as
Heraclius had diſavowed the Ectheſis. Maximus and
his diſciple underwent a ſecond interrogatory in the
council-chamber at. the palace, before the 8 at
which were preſent Peter patriarch of Conſtantinople,
and Macarius patriarch of Antioch, both Monothe-
lites. Here they again declared that they would adhere
inviolably to the faith of their fathers, and to the de-
finition af the council of Lateran, After ſeveral de-
bates, they were remitted to priſon. At the feaſt of
Pentecoſt, a meſſenger from the patriarch of Conſtanti-
nople endeavoured to prevail on Maximus to ſubmit. As
he was threatened with excommunication and a cruel
death, he anſwered, that all he deſired was that the
will of God be done in his regard. The day after this
conference he was baniſhed into Thrace, with the two
Anaſtaſiuſes. Maximus was ſent to the caſtle of Bizye,
Anaſtaſius the chancellor to Selymbria, and- the other
Anaſtaſius to Perbere, which was at the extremity of
the province, and of the empire. They were brought
to theſe places, without proviſion for their ſubſiſtence,
and with no other covering than a few rags. A little
time after, commiſſaries arrived to examine the faint
anew in the place of his exile. They were ſent by the
emperor and the patriarch, There were among others
with them, a biſhop named Theodoſius. Maximus
proved before them, that there muſt neceſſarily be two
wills in Jeſus Chriſt, and that it is never lawful to ſup-
preſs the doctrine of faith. His arguments were ſo con-
vincing, that Theodoſius agreed the Typus to have a
dangerous tendency. And the commiſſaries even went
fo far ag to fign an act of reconciliation with Maximus.
oſius moreover promiſed to go to Rome, and
make his peace with the church... Then all roſe up
weeping with joy; and after praying ſome time on their
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422 S. MAXIMUS, c. Dec. zo.
knees, they kiſſed the book of the goſpels, the croſs,
the image of Jeſus Chriſt, and that of the Bleſſed Vir-
gin, and laid their hands on them in confirmation of
their agreement. Theodoſius at taking leave, made the
faint a preſent of ſome money and clothes.
After all, this reconciliation came to nothing. In
the year 656, the emperor ſent the conſul Paul to
Bizye, with orders to bring Maximus back to the mo-
"naſtery of S. Theodorus de Rege, near Conſtantinople.
There was no regard paid to the age, or rank which
the faint once held at court ; he was treated on the road
with the laſt barbarity. He arrived at Rege the 14th
of September. The patricians Epiphanius and Troitus,
-as well as the biſhop Theodoſius, went to viſit him
there, attended with a numerous train. They inſiſted
much on the promiſe he had made of ſubmitting to the
"emperor's requeſt. Maximus anſwered that he was rea-
dy to obey the prince in all things that regarded tem-
poral matters. Upon which loud clamours were raiſed
againſt him, and after fome debate, the patrician
Epiphanius addrefled him thus: Hear the envoy of
"the emperor. - All the Weſt, and all thoſe who have
been ſeduced in the Eaft have their eyes fixed on you.
Are you willing to communicate with us and receive the
Typus? We come in perſon to ſalute you; we preſent
vou our hand, we will wait on you to the cathedral,
and along with you there receive the body and blood of
"Jeſus Chrift, in that ſolemn manner acknowledging you
our father. We are perſuaded that all thoſe who have
ſeparated from our communion, will no ſooner ſee you
*communicating with the church of Conſtantinople, than
they will follow your example.“ „ My lord, faid
Maximus, directing his diſcourſe to the biſhop Theodo-
ſius, we muſt all appear before the judgmenr-ſeat of
God: Tou know the folemn agreement that hath been
made between us, ratified on the goſpels, on the crols,
on the image of Jefus Chriſt, and that of his holy mo-
ther.” „ What would you have me do, anſwered
Theodoſius, bowing his head, and in the tone of a flat-
teter willing to pay his court, What would you hate
me do, ſeeing the emperor is of another opinion?
Dec. 30. S. MAXIMUS, C. 423
« Why then, replied Maximus, did you put your hand
on the goſpels? For my part, I declare that nothing ſhall
induce me to comply with your demand. What re-
proaches would I not, ſuffer from my conſcience, what
anſwer could I make to God, if I renounced' the faith
for human reſpects ?”” At theſe words they all roſe up in
tranſports of rage ; they fell upon the faint, they buffer-
ed him, they tore his beard, they covered him with fpit-
tle and filth from head to foot; ſo that it was neceſſary
to waſh: his clothes to remove the infectious ſtench which
hindered a near approach to him. It is wrong, ſaid
Theodoſius, to treat him in this unworthy ſort, it were
enough to report his anſwer to the emperor,” They then
ve over their barbarous treatment, and confined
themſelves to abuſive infolent language. Then Troilus
faid to the holy abbot: © We only aſk you to ſign the
Typus; believe what you will in your heart.“ It is
not to the heart alone, replied Maximus, that God hath
confined our duty; we are: alſo obliged to, confeſs Jeſus
Chriſt - before men.“ With my advice, ſaid Epipha-
nius, you would be tied to a ſtake in the midſt of the
city to be bruiſed and ſpit upon by the populace.” If
the barbarians left us time to breathe, ſaid ſome others,
we would treat you as you deſerve, the pope himſelf, and
all your followers.” They all then withdrew, aying, * this
man is poſſeſſed with the devil; but let us firſt dine be-
fore we make a report of his infolence and obſtinacy to
the emperor.“ The morning after, St. Maximus was
ſent under a guard of ſoldiers to Selymbria, and from
thence brought to the camp. As it was reported that
he denied the bleſſed Virgin to be the mother of God,
he pronounced anathema againſt the ſupporters of ſuch
an hereſy. He gave inſtructions in the camp, which
were heard with much reſpect z and all beſought God to
grant him the neceſſary courage to. finiſh (happily his
courſe, His guard ſeeing how much he was honoured,
Temoved him two miles diſtant ; then ſuffering him to
reſt a while, they obliged him to mount his horſe, and
conducted him to Perbere, where they ſhut. him up in a
priſon, _ Some time after, Maximus and the two Anaſ-
talluſes were brought back again to Conſtantinople. They
: I * *
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44 S. MAXIMO S, C. Dec. 30.
were made to appear before:a- ſynod of Monothelites,
who anathematiſed them, witii we pope Martin, Sophro-
nius, and all-th6ſe that adhered to them. The ſentence
pronounced againſt them ran thus. Having been
eanonically condemned, you would juſtly undergo the
feverit of the law for your impieties, But although
there be no puniſhments proportioned to your crimes,
we chooſe not to treat you according to the rigour of
the law ; we touch not your life, abandoning you to the
juſtice of the ſovereign Judge. We order the prefect
re preſent, to conduct you to the pretorium, where
after having been whipped, your tongue, the inſtrument
of your-blaſphemies, ſhall be torn out, and your right
hand, with which you have written theſe blaſphemies,
cut off, We will that you be afterward expoſed in the
twelve wards of the city : then, that you be baniſhed,
and impriſoned the remainder of your days, to expiate
by tears your ſins.“ Maximus, and the two Anaſtaſiuſes
having ſuffered at Conſtantinople the.puniſhment ſigni-
fied by this ſentence, were baniſhed among the Lazi,
in the European Sarmatia, towards the Palus Mz-
W. 2G; gia turd 2:
They arrived at the place of their baniſhment the 8th
of June, 662. They were ſeparated from one ano-
ther. The monk Anaſtaſius was conducted to Sumas :
the torments he had endured, joined to the fatigue of
the journey, weakened him fo much, that he died the
24th of July of the fame year. The other Anaſtaſius
did not long ſurvive him. Maximus not being able to
ride, or bear the ordinary carriages, was conducted in
a litter, to a caſtle called Schemari, near the country of
the Alani. He foretold the day of his death, which hap-
pened about the end of the ſame year 662, or at the
beginning of the was fourſcore years
year following.
eld. The Greeks celebrate two feaſts. in his honour ;
one the 27ſt of January, and the other the 13th of Au-
uſt. It is this laſt which Baronius and Baillet aſſign for
tte 2 1 his death. _ Falconius thinks he —
21ſt of January, becauſe according to the Synaxa
the Grecks, the tranſlation of his relicks to Conftan-
Dec. 3. 8. SYLVESTER, P. o. az
tinople, from the monaſtery of St. Arſenius, was made
on the 13th of Auguſt. (c) See the acts of St.
Maximus, the authentic relations of his interrogatories
and ſufferings, and other ancient pieces concerning his
life, ap. Combefis, T. 1. Oper. S. Maximi.
D E c E MB E R XXXI.
st. 8 VL VEST E R, Pope, C.
See the Pontifical publiſhed by Anaſtaſius, Rufin, &c. amongſt the
moderns, Tillemont, T. 7. p. 267. Orſi, T. 4 and 5.
| n A. D. 335.
Or. SYLVESTER, Whom God appointed to govern his
holy church in the firſt years of her temporal proſperity
and triumph over her perſecuting enemies, was a native
of Rome, and ſon to Rufinus and Juſta, According to
the general rule with thoſe who are ſaints from their
cradle, he received early and in his infancy the ſtrong-
eſt ſentiments of chriſtian piety from the example, in-
ſtructions and care of a virtuous mother, who for his
education in the found maxims and praQtite of religion,
and in facred literature put him young into the hands of
Charitius or Carinus, a prieſt of an unexceptionable
character and great abilities. Being formed under an
excellent maſter, he entered among the clergy of
Rome, and was ordained prieſt by pope Marcellinus,
(e. We have many works of St. Maximus, which the learned F.
Combefis cauſed to be printed at Paris in 1675, 2 vols. in folio.
They conſiſt of myſtic or allegorical commentaries on divers books
of the ſcripture; of commentaries on the works attributed to St.
Denis the A ite ; of polemic treatiſes againſt the Monothelites ;
an excellent aſcetic diſcourſe ; ſpiritual maxims, principally on cha-
rity, and ſome letters. Photius (cod; 192.) wiſhed that St, Maximus's
ſtyle were leſs harſh, and that he were more delicate in the Eboles
of his expreſſions. | Theſe defects might proceed from tranſcyibers,
eſpecially in his diſpute with Pyrrhus : we may attribute them in ſome
of his works, to the perſecutions, which at once overwhelmed his
mind and body, There are many works of St. Maximus, which
have never been printed. See Montfaucon, Bibl. Coiſlin. a pag, 305.
ad pag. 311, item pag. 412. | 1
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426 S. SVLVEST ER, P. C. Dec. 31. De:
before the peace of the church was diſturbed by Diocle- wa
ſian, and his affociate in the empire. His behaviour in the
thoſe turbulent and dangerous times recommended him on
to the public eſteem, and he ſaw the triumph of the Go
croſs by the victory which Conſtantine gained over Ser
Maxentius within ſight of the city of Rome on the pol
28th of October, 312. Pope Melchiades dying in Ja- alte
nuary, 314, St. Sylveſter was exalted to the pontificate, the
and the ſame year commiſſioned four legates, two prieſts tyr
and two deacons, to repreſent him at the great council anc
of the Weſtern church held at Arles in Auguſt, in gor
which the ſchiſm of the Donatiſts which had then ſub- chu
ſiſted ſeven years, and the hereſy of the Quartodecimans /
were condemned, and many important points of diſci- all
pline regulated in twenty-two canons. Theſe deciſions per!
were ſent by the council before it broke up with an ho- and
nourable letter to pope Sylveſter, and were confirmed Cific
by him and publiſhed to the whole church. (1) The givi
general council of Nice was aſſembled againſt Arianiſm triu
in 325. Socrates, (2) Sozomen (3) and Theodoret (4) in a
ſay that pope Sylveſter was not able to come to it in and
perſon on account of his great age, but that he ſent his viev
legates. Gelaſius of Cyzicus (5) mentions that in it and
Oſius held the place of the biſhop of Rome, together as a
with the Roman prieſts Vito and Vincentius.” Theſe mee
three are named the firſt in ſubſcriptions of the biſhops the
in the editions of the Acts of that council, (6) and in crou
Socrates, who expreſly places them before Alexander pa- God
triarch of Alexandria, and Euſtathius patriarch of An- alme
tioch. (a) St. Sylveſter greatly advanced religion by a tion
punctual diſcharge of all the duties of his exalted ſtation or a
during. the ſpace. of | twenty-one years, and eleven -Whol
months; and died on the 3 iſt of December 335. He 2
4 * | N | a N . | orm
1) See epift. Synodi Arel. ad Sylveſt. Pap. Cono. T. 1. p. 1425. effec
(2) Boe * c. ix (3) Sozom. 1. «6. (4) Theodoret, fe 1
t. c. 7. * (5) Gelaf. 'Cyz. Hiſt. Conc. Nicæn. L 2. e. 5. I. . fatur
Cone. (6) Conc. T. 2. p. 50.
{4) The hiſtory of Conſtantine's donation. of Rome is refuted by
agi, Critic. in Annal. Baron. Papebroke, Act. Sanct. Nat. Ales-
ander, Hiſt. Eccl, Noris, T. 4. Oper. Mamachi, Orig. Cbriſt. J.
2. P. 232. &c. | | |
Dec. 31 8. SYLVESTER, F. C. 427
was buried in the cemetery of Priſcilla. St. Gregory
the Great pronounced his ninth homily on the Goſpels
on his feſtival, and in a church which was dedicated to
God in his memory by -pope Symmachus. (9) Pope
Sergius II. tranſlated his body into this church and de-
polited it under the, high altar. Mention 1s made of an
altar conſecrated to God in his honour at Verona about
the year 500 z and his name occurs in the ancient mar-
tyrology called St. Jerom's publiſhed by Florentinius,
and in thoſe of Bede, Ado, Uſuard, &c. Pope Gre-
gory IX. in 1227 made his feſtival general in the Latin
church : the Greeks keep it on the 1oth of January,
After a prodigious effuſion of chriſtian blood almoſt
all the world over during the ſpace of goo years, the
perſecuting kingdoms at length laid down their arms,
and ſubmitted to the faith and worſhip of a God cru-
cified for us. This ought to be to us a ſubject of thankſ-
giving. But do our hves expreſs this Faith? Does it
triumph in our hearts? It is one of its firſt precepts that
in all our actions we make God our beginning and end,
and have only his divine honour, and his holy law in
view. All our varions employments, all our thoughts
and deſigns muſt be referred to, and terminate in this,
as all the lines drawn from the circumference of a circle
meet in the centre. We ought therefore fo to live that
the days, hours and moments of the year may form a
crown made up of good works which we may offer to
God. Our forgetfulneſs of him who is our laſt end, in
-almoſt all that we do, calls for a facrifice of compunc-
tion in the cloſe of the year: but this cannot be perfect
or acceptable to God, unleſs we ſincerely devote our
whole hearts and lives to his holy love for the time to
come. Let us therefore examine into the ſources of
former omiſſions, failures and tranſgreſſions, and take
effectual meaſures for our amendment, and for the per-
fect regulation of all our affections and actions for the
future, or that part of our life which may remain.”
(7) Conc, T. 1, * 1368.
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428 s. MELANIA the Younger. Dec, 31-
On.rnue SAME Day.
St. CoLumBa, V. M. The new Paris Breviary fixes
her death either in 258, or in 273. The latter date re-
duces it to the journey which Aurelian took into Gaul in
that year, when he gained a great victory at Chalons.
She ſuffered at Sens. Her relicks were kept in the Be-
nedictin abbey till they were diſperſed by the Hugue-
nots, together with thoſe of many other faints kept
there, as Baillet obſerves. St. Owen, in his life of St.
Eligius, mentions a chapel which bore her name at
Paris. | act)
St. M LANA the Younger. Melania the Elder was
of a moſt noble Spaniſh family, though deſcended of a
Roman pedigree, and a relation of St. Paulinus of Nola,
ſecond to no one in Aquitain and Spain in riches or no-
bility. Being married young, ſhe was left a widow at
twenty-three years of age. Upon the death of her huſ-
band ſhe ſaid to God: Now, O Lord, I ſhall be at li-
berty to devote myſelf without diſtraction to thy ſer-
vice.” Having put her fon Publicola into the hands of
good tutors, ſhe embarked with Rufinus for Egypt in
37/1. And after ſpending fix months in viſiting the
monks of thoſe parts, went into Paleſtine, but ſo much
diſguiſed, that the governor of Jeruſalem caſt her into
pail for viſiting certain priſoners, till ſhe made herſelf
known to him, and then he treated her with the greateſt
reſpe& : after ſome time ſhe built a monaſtery at Jeru-
falem, wore a coarſe habit, and had no other bed than a
rough cloth ſpread on the floor, without any other cover
than a ſackcloth. Thus ſhe lived in Paleſtine twenty-
' ſeven years, making prayer and the meditation of the
holy ſcriptures her principal employment. Her ſon Pub-
viola grew up, and becoming moſt accompliſhed in the
neceflary qualifications of mind and body, was married
to Albina, by whom he bad two children, a fon and a
daughter, this latter being our ſaint. She was married
at thirteen years of age to Pinian, the ſon of Severus,
who had been prefe&t of Rome. Her children both
died young, and by her moving diſcourſes and intreaties
they
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Dec. 311 8. MELANIA the Younger. 429
ſhe gained his conſent that they ſhould bind themſelves
by mutual vows to ſerve God in perpetual chaſtity,
The elder Melania, at this news, left the Eaſt, and re-
turned to Rome, after having been thirty-ſeven years
abſent, She was met at Naples by a train of the moſt
illuſtrious perſonages of the nobility of Rome, who at-
tended her from thence glittering in rich attire, and
ſumptuous equipages. The humble Melania travelled
at their head, meanly mounted on horſeback, and
cloathed with coarſe and threadbare garments. During
her ſtay in Rome it was her firſt care to caution Pinian
and her grand-daughter againſt the hereſies of that age.
She ſaid in the Weſt four years, during which interval
ſhe took a journey into Africa. There ſhe received
news of the death of her ſon Publicola. At her return
to Rome ſhe adviſed Pmian and our faint to give what
they poſſeſſed to the poor, and to chooſe ſome remote
retirement, This counſel they readily embraced, and
were imitated by Albina. Avita, a niece of Melania,
after converting her huſband from the errors of idolatry,
induced him to join her in a vow of. perpetual conti-
nency. Their 2 Aſterius, and their daughter Euno-
mia, followed the ſame example. All theſe fervent and
illuſtrious perſons went together to: pay a viſit to St,
Paulinus at Nola. So many wonderſul converſions aſto-
niſhed not only Rome, but all Chriſtendom. The elder
Melania had no ſooner compleated this great work, but
ſhe haſtened back to her dear ſolitude. The tumult of
Rome made that great city ſeem to her a place of exile,
and a true priſon: nor was ſhe able to bear the noiſe of
the world, and the diſtraction of viſits. Rufinus accom-
panied her as far as Sicily, where he died. Melania ar-
rived at Jeruſalem, diſtributed the reſidue of her money
among the poor, and ſhut herſelf up in a monaſtery,
But exchanged this mortal life for a better forty days
after, in the year 410, being about ſixty eight years
old, Melania the Elder ſeemed ſome time too warmly
engaged with Rufinus'in the defence of Origen. The
commendations which St. Auſtin, St. Paulinus, and
others beſtow on her, bear evidence to her orthodoxy
and her edifying virtue, though her name has never
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430 S, MELA NIA the Younger, Dec, 31.
been placed among the ſaints, unleſs ſhe be meant on
the 8th of June in the manuſcript calendar mentioned
by ChiMetius, as Papebroke and Joſeph Aſſemani (1)
take notice.
- Albina, Melania the Younger and Pinian firſt made
over their eſtates in Spain and Gaul, reſerving thoſe
which they poſſeſſed in Italy, Sicily, and Africa. They
made free eight thouſand of their ſlaves, and thoſe who
would not accept of their freedom, they gave to the
brother of Melania, Their moſt precious furniture they
beſtowed on churches and altars. Their firſt retreat was
in retired country places in Campania and Sicily, and
their time they ſpent in prayer, reading, and viſiting
the poor and the ſick, in order to comfort and relieve
them.. For this end they alſo fold their eſtates in Italy,
and paſſed into Africa, where they. made ſome ſtay,
firſt at Carthage, and afterward at Tagaſts. under the
direction of St. Alypius, who was at that time biſhop of
this city. In a journey they made to Hippo, to ſee St.
Auſtin, the people there ſeized Pinian, demanding that
St. Auſtin would ordain him prieſt. But he eſcaped
out of their hands, by promiſing that if he ever took
holy orders, it ſhould be to ſerve their church. The
verty and auſterity in which they lived ſeven years at
Ta E, appeared extreme. Melania by degrees ar-
lived at ſuch an habit of long faſting, as often to eat
only once a week, and to take nothing but bread and
water, except that on ſolemn occaſions to her bread ſhe
added a little oil. Their occupation was to read and
copy good books: Pinian alſo tilled his garden. In 417
they left Africa and went to Jeruſalem, where they con-
tinued the ſame manner of life. St. Melania buried her
mother Albina in 433, and her huſband Pinian two
years after. She ſurvived him four years, ſhutting her-
{elf up in a monaſtery of nuns, which ſhe built and go-
verned, Her cell was her paradiſe ; yet ſhe left it to
go to Conſtantinople, to convert her uncle Voluſian,
who was an idolater, and ſhe had the comfort to ſee
him baptized, and die full of hope and holy joy. After
ſhe had cloſed his eyes, ſhe made haſte back to Jeruſa-
| (1) See Joſ. Aſſem. in Calend. p. 522. 4
Dec.
lem.
the hc
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diſcov
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Dec. 311 S. MELANIA the Younger, 431
lem, She went to Bethleem to paſs Chriſtmas-day at
the holy crib, and came back the day following ; and
found herſelf ſeized with her laſt ficxneſs, which ſhe
diſcovered to thoſe about her, A great number of- holy
monks and others viſited her, whom ſhe exhorted, and
when ſhe ſaw them weep, tenderly comforted. She de-
parted to our Lord in the year 439, the fifty-ſeventh of
her age, on a Sunday, which was the 31ſt of Decem-
ber, on which day her name ſtands in the Roman mar-
tyrology. See Palladius in Lauſiac, and ſeveral letters
of St. Paulinus, St. Jerom, St. Auſtin, &c. Her Greek
acts extant in Metaphraſtes are tranſlated in Lipoman-
nus, T. 5. Other Greek acts of the ſame age are men-
tioned and commended by Allatius. See Fabricius,
Bibl. Gr. T. 6. p. 548. and Fontanini, Hiſt. Eccl.
Aquil. I. 4.
Men often ſay, we are not obliged to do ſo much for
falvation. But the example of the ſaints ought to con-
vince us, that we are bound at leaſt by extraordinary
watchfulneſs and fervour to ſurpaſs the multitude, and
not go with the world. In the general torrent of exam-
ple every one flatters himſelf, and relies upon the croud
which goes the ſame way. Men follow one another to
run upon deſtruction: they are ſeduced, and they ſe-
duce. We perhaps rely ſometimes on the example of
thoſe who follow ours. Does not Chriſt aſſure us that
the way to life is narrow, and trod by few? If we are
content to follow the croud, we condemn ourſelves by
taking the broad way. The ſaints, by fearing to fall
into it, ſeemed to ſet no bounds to their fervour.
A
WI
may th
virtues
try are
think,
thoſe p:
minati.
ical c
ill tre
ſteerin
will le
in the
t ]
APPEND. I X.
Wr here ſubjoin an. Iriſn Calendar, that the reader
may the more readily find out the pages wherein the
virtues and ſufferings of the Saints honoured in this coun-
try are mentioned in the preceding volumes. We
think, with a rational confidence, that the peruſal of
thoſe pages will be edifying to Iriſhmen of every deno-
mination ; to thoſe who are bewildered in the theolo-
ical contradictions of the preſent age, and to thoſe who
ill travel in the ſteps of their anceſtors. The former
ſteering by the unerring card of eccleſiaſtical hiſtory, *
will learn what the Faith was, which Ireland received
in the fifth century ; and the /atter, ſteady to that Faith,
will be excited by the example of their countrymen in
ancient times, to practiſe in the preſent thoſe virtues by
which Faith is crowned. It is undoubtedly a truth of
very important conſideration, that among the remote
nations converted to chriſtianity, the Iriſh have been
lingular by deviating in no inſtance whatever from the
doctrine originally preached to them. Through the
courſe of eleven centuries no charge of heterodoxy was
laid againſt them; and notwithſtanding a great relaxa-
tion of morals toward the cloſe of that long period, yet
the identity of their faith was acknowledged. This re-
ference therefore to the hiſtory of religion, in Ireland
muſt. have a ſalutary effect, as no. ſuſpicion of fallacy
can attend the information it invariably affords : for it
eſtabliſhes a fact, to us the more intereſting, as it in-
volves the true uſe of religious controverly, without
partaking of its bitterneſs. 141.0 © |
Here in the extremity of the Weſt, in a ſequeſtered
land, God was pleaſed to kindle lights which i lumined
Vor. XII. Ff |
-
— <7" —
m—_—__— = — — —
4 = : 2 22929 4 > — .
» ES
— — N — —_— ———
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* 9
2 — YE —
— — 1 2 —
SE
— *
——
[ 434 J
pagan nations, who took poſſeſſion of the greater part
of Europe on the demolition of the Roman empire,
Rome ſtripped of her imperial power, and a prey to
barbarians, loſt all her ſplendor except what ſhe derived
from the rays of the goſpel. Amidſt civil depreſſion ſhe
triumphed, and extended her ſpiritual conqueſts to re-
ions which her arms never ſubdued, By converting
Ireland to her faith, ſhe raiſed up champions for its pro-
pagation, and through the ſixth, ſeventh, and eighth
centuries, Chriſtendom bore witneſs .to their zeal and
their ſanctity. At home, the eccleſiaſtics of Ireland
ſounded cities in the midſt of deſerts, which they clear-
ed and cultivated with their own hands. Their diſtricts,
called Termons, (a) were held ſacred by the princes who
were the donors of them: nor did the moſt cruel do-
meſtic wars diſturb the repoſe of their monaſteries and
ſchools. This immunity of the Termon diſtricts re-
ceived the ſanction of a permanent law, ſo revered by
the body of the Iriſh nation, that through the ſpace of
three hundred years the violation of it would enſure
abſolute diſappointment to the moſt daring ambition,
Depredation on a Termon impreſſed a character of in-
famy, which every warring party avoided ; as the in-
curring it would render the treſpaſſer odious, and give a
decifive ſuperiority to ari adverſary in the field. Such
a ſtate of perfect repoſe amidſt the calamities of war
hath, we believe, no parallel in the hiſtory of any other
country : and to that ſtate undoubtedly was owing the
* - (a) The word Termon is a compound from the Latin terra in.
munis, i. e. land not only free from regal impoſts, but from #
hoſtile invaſion even in the courſe of a civil war. To enumerate the
Termons of Ireland would take up more room than can be ſpared
in an epitome of gerieral Hagiology. Some of the principal were
thoſe of the great St. Columb-kEille, who renounced his right of
election to the throne of Ireland, and embraced the monaſtic habit.
He it was who founded the Termons of Dairmagh (now Durrogh)
in the King's county; Kells in Meath ; Sord (now written Swords
pear Dublin ; Derry in Tirconal ; Hy in North Britain, &c. Clo-
natd in Meath founded by St. Finian ; Clonmacnois on the banks of
the Shannon, and in the heart of Ireland, founded by St. Karan
Liſnore in Munſter by St. Carthag Mochuda ; Benchor in the
of Ulſter, by St. Comgall ; Glendaloch by St. Coemgen, &c. &.
Lt an 3
frequent voyages of princes and ſtudents from moſt parts
of Europe 1n thoſe days to Ireland, as to the emporium
of literature, and habitation of true liberty. Abroad in
South and North Britain, in Germany, in Burgundy,
and in France, thoſe holy men converted heathens, and
laid the foundations of the moſt celebrated univerſities
in Europe. We cannot ſurely be miſtaken, when we
recommend a retroſpect to men and times under this
deſcription, To contraſt them with our own times, di-
vided by various and varying theological ſyſtems, diſ-
graced alſo by contentions as uncharitable as they are
endleſs; a moment is not left for heſitation on the judg-
ment we ought to form, or the example we ought to
follow.
It were to, be wiſhed that the learned author. of this
work had given us the lives of the Iriſh ſaints more in
detail than he has done. But he certainly was ob-
liged to truſt to ſhort abſtracts, through the difficulty or
rather impoſſibility of coming at the originals now diſ-
perſed through private hands in various countries reſort-
ed to by Iriſh catholics, ſince the time that their coun-
try ceaſed to be the aſylum of religious liberty, .-
— —— —— —— — —ũ————— ö . = ——— - -
-
0" St. — Ab. fon of $t.
15.
(46 7
JANUARY
1. St. Farichea, (or Faine) V. a
St. Mochua, (or een called alſo Cluanus, Ab-
dot, 6th —_—
Sr. Mochaa, (call Cronan) Ab. of Balla. (a)
St. Kentig Widow, an. 928.
St. Ita, (or Mida) of Cluain-credhail, V. an. 569.
8. Furſey, C. brother to St. Foilan, M. een
16
Ultan, an. 650, or 652.
17. St. Nennius, or Nami) Ab. 6th cent.
18
55 Decius, — con FRE of St; hong
21. St. — S Ab. an. wy
St. Foranian, Ab. an. 982.
26. St. Coon, Biſhop of the Iſle of Man, ar 648. ©
29. St. Gildas, the Albanian, an. 512. (d
31. St. Maodhog, (or Aidan) Biſhop of Ferns, an. 632.
Ca) St. Mochua of Balla died on the 3oth, of March, an. *
according to. Colgan, Act. SS. Hib. p. 789.
7
% St. Blaithmac ſuffered in 823, according to the Four Maſters,
Colg. ib. p. 128.
(e St. Conon is thenticaed on the 13th, in AQ. 88. p. 59.
(4) On St. Gildas, fee Act. SS. p. 178.
The Iriſh calendars commemorate on the 2d of this month, St.
Munchin, the firſt Biſhop of On the 8th, St. Albert, Bi
ſhop in Munſter, 8th — On the gth, St. Finan, Biſhop of Lin-
disfarne, an. 660, On the 2oth, St. Molagga, C. patron of Tech.
molagga in Munſter, jth cent. On the 27th, St. Natalis, (or Naa|)
Abbot of Kill-naile in Breffney, an. 363. On the zoth, St. Am;
_ G diſciple of St. G in Inis-cealtra, an. 1043.
Dublin,
Ab-
1 437 J
F EBA UNA.
7. St. Brigit of Kildare, Virgin. (a
St. Kinnia, Virgin.
4. St. Modan, Abbot, 7th cent. (0
7. St. Treſain, C. 6th cent.
9. St. AttraQta, (or Tarahata) Virgin, cotemporary of
St. Patrick.
St. Erhard, Abbot, Sth cent.
10. St. Ertulph, M. an. 8 30.
13. St. Modomnoc, Biſhop of Tiprat- Fachna i in Offory,
6th cent.
16. St. Tanco, (or Tatto) M. an. 815, -
17. St. Luman, firſt Biſhop of Trim in Meath.
St. Fintan, Addot of EY 6th cent.
. (#) Apcopdi ding to Colgan (Trias Thaum. p. Pp. 629.) St, Brigit died,
= eventy, thirty years after the death of St. 1 i
( ) On Modan, fee AQ. SS. Hib. p. 252 z on St. Erhard, ib.
8. Jan. p. 22. re * 240. and on . Tau,
p- 348.
The Iriſh commemorate alſo on the iſt of this month, St. —
lacha, Abbeſs of Kildare, diſciple of St. Brigit, an. 524. On the 6t
St, Mel, Biſhop of Ardagh, nephew to St. Patrick, an. 488. On the
7th, St. Meldan, Abbot and Biſhop of Loch-Orbſen in Connaught,
— On the gth, St. Cairecha, ſurnamed Dergain, of Cluain-
2 Virgin, an. 577. On the 11th, St. Ethcheo, B. of Cluain-
toda, an. 577. On. the 42th, St, Sedulius, 'Abbot or * of
To an. 785.
( 438 J]
M AX C H.
5. St. Kiaran Saigir, B.
St. la, Virgin.
6. St. Fridolin, C. an. 538. 3 2.
St. Cadroe, C. Companion of St. Macclain, or 5.
Malcallan, an. 97. (4 7
8. St. Sennan, Abbot and Biſhop of Inis-cathaig, an
iſland in the river Shannon, an. 544. 6.
St. Pſalmoid, Anchoret, an. 589. |
11, St. Angus, Abbot of Tamlacht, near Dublin, 12.
WI an. 8 41 1 1. |
St. Gerald, a Briton, Abbot of Mayo, an. 732.
St. Mochoemoc, (or Pulcherius) C. an. 655.
16. St. Finian the Leper, C. 6th cent.
17. St. Patrick, B. Apoſtle of Ireland, an. 464. (6)
18. St, Frigidian, Biſhop of Lucca, an. 578.
20. St. Cuthbert, Biſhop of Lindisfarne, an. 687. (c)
21. St. Enna, (or Endeus) Abbot of Arra-na-naomh,
6th cent. | as 6
25. St. Cammin, Abbot of Inis-cealtra, an. 653.
27. St. Rupert, (or Robert) B. of Saltzburg, 8th cent. (4)
64) On St. Cadroe, ſee AQ. S8. Hib. p 494
(6) In the Trias Thaum. p. 234. St. Patrick is ſaid to have died,
An. ,
| Pay Se. Cuthbert, according to his MS. life in the Cottonian li-
brary, was born at Ceannanas, or Kells, in Meath. By his mother
Saba, a princeſs who led a holy life, he was grandſon of Murertach
king of Ireland, an. 533. See Colg. p. 659.
(4) St. Rupert is adjudged to Ireland by Colgan and others,
AQ. SS. p. 756.
The Iriſh commemorate on the iſt, St. Monennius, B. of Cluain-·
fearta-Brendain, an. 570. On the 6th, St. Coirpre, B. of Cluaio-
macnois, gth cent. On the 1oth, St. Ferfullus, (or Ferfugillus) Ab-
bot and Biſhop of Cluain-dolcan near Dublin, an. 784. On the 24h,
St. Mac-cartin, B. of Clogher, an. 506. [See his life on the 15th of
Auguft.] Alſo St. Cairlan, B. of Armagh, an. 587. On the 30th,
dt. Fergus, B. of Drom-letbglafs, (Down) an. 583.
lin,
[ 439 ]
A-P N 111.
2. St. Bronacha, (or Bronana) Abbeſs of Glen: ſechis.
5. St. Tigernach of Cluanois, B. ſucceſſor to St. Mac-
cartin in Clogher, an. 550.
St. Becan, cotemporary of St. Columb kille.
6. St. Celſus, (or Ceallach) 1 of Ardmagh, an.
1129. (a)
7. St. Finn, Abbot of Comtentch |
11, St, Maccai, Abbot, diſciple of St. Patrick.
St. Aid, Abbot of Achadh-araidhe.
I5, St. Ruadhan, Abbot and Biſhop, called one of the
12 Apoſtles of Ireland, an. 584.
18, St. Laiſrean, B. of Leighlin, an. 638.
21. St. Malrubius, Abbot of Benchor, an. 721.
22. St, Rufus, (or Rufin) of EY C.
23. St. Ibar, B. an. 500.
25. St. Macull, B. of the Iſle of Man, an, 498.
28. St. Cronan, Abbot of Roſcrea, an. 640.
29. St. Fiachna, Monk of Liſmore, an. 630.
(a) The feaſt of St. Celſus is kept on the 7th.
The Iriſh commemorate on the 4th, St. Tigernach B. of Cluain-
macnois, reſigned to him by St. Kiaran, an. 548. On the 6th, St.
Cathubius, Abbot of Achadh-chinn, an. 554. On the 8th, St.
Kenfalad; Abbot of Benchor, an. 704. On the 14th, St. Killian,
Abbor of Birr, 696. On the 16th, St. Tedgalius, Abbot or _—
of Lann-ela, an. 709. On the 15th, St. Leochadius, Abbot of Li
more, an. 634. On the 21ft, St. Berachus, ' Abbot of Benchor, an.
I; On the 27th, St. Aſicus, firſt Biſhop of eh promoted by
wle,
= j
1. St. Briocus, B. an. 502, Colgan, MSS,
8. St. Wiro, (or Bearaidhe) B. an. 650. (a)
St. Odrian, =
St. Gybrian, C. 8th cent.
10. St. Comgal, Abbot of Benchor, an, 600.
St. Cataldus, Biſhop of Tarentum, 7th cent.
14. St. Carthag Mochuda, Biſhop of Liſmore, an. 637.
15. St. Dympna, V. M.
of St. — M. ; 7th cent.
16. St. Brendan, Abbot of Cluain - fearta, an. 578.
17. St. Maw, C.
St. Silave, (or Silan) B. an. 1100.
22. St. Conal, Abbot of Inis-coel in Tirconal.
26. St. Dumbade, Abbot of Hy, an. 417.
30. St. Tok C. companion of St. Furley, an. 689.
(a) The author of Trias Thaum. mp 112., places the death of
St. Wiro about the beginning of the 8th century ; and this ap
more ptobable, as his companion St. Plechelm is ſaid to have died
an. 732.
The Iriſh commemorate on the atk St. Brecan, in whoſe honour
the church called Tempul-Brecain was dedicated in the greater Ar-
ran, and Kil-Brecain in the dioceſs of Killaloe, Alſo St. Mochaimh,
Abbot of Tirdaglas, diſci ra, of St. Columb, an. 584. And St. Ul-
tan, Abbot, brother to and Foilan,- an. 680, or 686,
On the 3d, St. Contaeth, * Biſhop. of Kildare, and founder of
that cathedral with the aſſiſtance of St. Brigit in whoſe honour it was
dedicated : he died an. 519, and was hes in his own church at Kil-
2 On the 8th, St. Indracht, M. on whom ſee AR. 88. Hib,
Feb. On tke 16th, St. Fidmunius of Raithen, brother to St.
2 leus, an. 750. Alſo St. Maclaiſre, Abbot of Benchor, an.
645. And St. Carantocus, (or Carnech) a Briton who aſſiſted St.
Patrick. On the 22d, the Tranſlation of the relicks of 88. Patrick,
Brigit, and Columb.
/ F
[441 3
JUN E.
3. St. r (or Keivin) Abbot of Glendaloch,
n. 618.
4. St. Nen C. a Briton, an. 564.
SS. Breaca and Buriana, VV.
St. Nennoca, V. an. 467. Colg. MSS, |
7, St. Colman, (called Mocholmoc) B. of Dromore,
an. 610.
8. St. Syra, ſiſter to St. Fiacre, 5th cent.
9. St. Columb-kille, Abbot, an. 597.
11. St. Tochumra of Kilfenora, V.
St. Tochumra of Kilmore, V.
I 13. St. Damhnade, V.
4. St. Nennus, Abbot, an.
* Pſalmodius, diſciple off St, Brendan, 9th cent.
15. St. Vauge, Hermit, an. 585.
17. St. 2: 2h (called Dairchlla Biſhop of Ferns,
97.
20. St. Gobam, M. 7th cent.
26. St. 2 OWN companion ef St. Furſey, jth cent.
The Iriſh commemorate on the 6th, St. Coca, (or Coga) V. in
whoſe honour was dedicated the church of. Kilcock in Leinſter on
the borders oo Meath, On the Sth, St. Bronius, B. of Cuil-irra in
Connaught, an, 511. On the gth, St. Baithenus, Abbot of Hy,
diſciple of Ig Columb. On the 11th, St, MaQalius, Biſhop of Kil-
cullen in Leinſter, diſciple of St. Patrick, an. 548. On the- 12th,
St. Coemanus, converted by St. Patrick, an. 500. And St. Foran-
nan, Abbot of Benchor, an. 634. On the 1 3th, St. Macniſius, Ab-
bot of Paſs difciple of Su Gann, os. .
4
|
[ 442 ]
; 11, © BO 9,
1. St. Rumold, B. M. an. 775.
3. St. Guthagon, Recluſe, 8th cent.
4. St. Finbar, Abbot.
St. Bolcan, Abbot, diſciple of St. Patrick.
5. St. Modwena, Virgin, ꝗth cent.
St. Edana, Virgin.
6. St. Palladius, B. Apoſtle of the Scots, in Ireland
and North-Britain, an. 450.
St. Moninna, V. Abbeſs of Sliabh-cuillin in Ulſter,
an. 518. |
8. St. Kilian, B. and his Companions SS, Colman and
Totnan, MM. an. 688. |
1x. St. Droſtan, Abbot of Dal-congail, an. 809. Colg.
| MSS. (a) |
14. St. Idus, B. of Athfoda in Leinſter, diſciple of St.
Patrick. 1
17. St. Turnin, C. companion of St. Foilan.
21. St. Arbogaſtus, B. of Straſburg, an. 678. Acc.
SS. Hib. >
22. St. Dabius, C.
24. St. Declan, firſt B. of Ardmore.
25. St. Niſſen, Abbot, baptized by St. Patrick,
27. St. Congal, Abbot of Jabhnallivin,
St. Luican, of Kill-luican, C.
(a) Suppoſing the death of St. Droſtan in 80g, he muſt have made
his proſeſſion according to the rule of St. Columb-kille, or of St.
Columban, not under either of theſe ſaints; the former having died
in 597, the latter in 615,
The Iriſh commemorate on the iſt St. Cumian, B. of Aendrum in
Ulſter, an 658. On the 4d, St. German, firſt B. of the Ifle of Man,
_ diſciple of St. Patrick. Allo St. Killen, (or Chilian) Abbot of Hij,
an. 747. On the 8th, St, Aid, Abbot of Tirdaglas, martyred by
the Norwegiins, an. 843. On the gth, St. German, Patron of
Cluain-ſeanbho in the dioceſs of Kildare. On the 16th, St. Lorbach,
B of Ardmagh, an. 808. Alſo St. Braccan, Abbot of the monaſ-
tery in Meath, called from him Ardbraccan, an. 650. And St. Fe-
n-nan, (or Feneder) B. an. 630. On the 18th, St. Cronan, Abbot
of Qluain macnois, an. 637,
1 443 J
4 UG U 8'F
1. St. Peregrinus, (in Iriſh COR; Hermit,
an. 64
4. St. — Abb. of ce ded an. 622.
9. St. Nathy, (or David) Patron of Achonry.
St. Fedlimid, B. of Kilmore, 6th cent.
10. St. Blaan, B. (a)
12. St. Muredach, firſt B. of Killala, an. 440.
15. St. Mac-cartin, B. of Clogher, an. 506.
19. St. Mochteus, (called Mochta-Lugh)) firſt B. of
Lowth, an. 535.
St. Cumin, ſurnamed Foda, B. an. 661. .
20. St. Andrew, Companion of St. Donatus, an. 880.
23. St. Eugenius, B. of Ardſrath, Derry, an. 570.
30. St, Fiacre, C. an. 670.
31. St. — B. of Lindisfarne, an. 651.
00 The death of St. Blaan is p by Dempſter i in 446, but er-
roneouſly, as the ſaint was a ociple of St. Comgall, who died in
600. Colgan proves that St. Blaan died about the beginning of the
7th cent. See AR. SS. Hib. p. 234.
* "7 Iriſh commemorate on the iſt, St. Saran, Abbot of Benchor,
n. 7 On the 2d, St. Crochan, Titolar of Killcrochan in the
male op of Ardfert. On the 8th, St. Colman, third B. of Lindis-
= an. 674. On the 14th, St. F achanan, Abbot of Roſs-alither in
Munſter. On the 18th, St. Degha, ſurnamed Mac-carril, B. an.
586. On the 23d, St. Sillan, Ab. and B. of Maghbile, an. 616. |
[ 44 ]
SEPTEM BE R.
3. St. Macniſius, firſt B. of Connor, an. 506.
4. St. Ultan, firſt B. of Ardbraccan in Meath, an. 656.
5. St. Alto, C. 8th cent. (a)
6. St. Bega, (or Bees) V.
St. Macculindus, B. of Luſk, ': an, 497.
7, St. Grimonia, V. M.
St. Eunan, firſt B. of Raphoe.
8. St. Dilibod, B. an. yoo.
9. St, Kiaran of Cluainmacnois, an. 549-
St. Oſmanna, V. Ith cent,
10. St. Finian, Ab. and B. of Maghbile in Viſter, 6th
cent.
12. St. Albeus, B, of Emely, an
14. St. Cormac Mac-Cuillinan, B. 0 Caſhel, and king
of Munſter, an. go8.
17. St. Rouin, (or Rodingus) Abbot, an. 680.
24. St. Adamnan, Abbot of Hij, an. 705.
St. Conald, C. Companion of St. Rupert, 8th cent.
25. St, Finbar, B. of Corke, 6th cent.
26. St. Colman-elo, Abbot, an. 610.
N (a) St. Alto is given by Colgan on the gth of February. 88. Hib.
301.
The Iriſh commemorate on the 5th, St. Cronan, Abbot of Magh-
bile, an. 649. On the roth, St. Sigenius Abbot of Benchor, ſon of
O'Cvinn, an. 662. On the 12th, St. Si genius, Abbor of Hy, fon
of Fachtna, an. 651. Alfo St. Laifrean, Na Molaiſre) Abbot of
Daimb-innis, an. 5 70, or 563.
N. B. Some have imagined that St. Firminus, B. M. (whoſe liſe
is given on the 25th of Sept.) was an Iriſhman ; but without the leaſt
authority, as is proved by Uſher, Primord. c. 16. From the acts of
this aint it appears that he was a native of Pampelona in Iberia,
which an injudicious copier miſtook oe Ibernia.
Peg
8
—
2
*
— 1
.
| 445 3
o C TOR R R
1. St. Fidharleus, Abbot of Raithen, an. 762.
11. St. Canicus, (or Kenny) Abbot, an. 399.
13. St. Colman, M. an. 1012.
16. St. Gall, Abbot, an. * oof f
19. St. Ethbin, (or E bin) a Briton; 6th cent,
20. St. Aidan, B. of , an, 768.
21. St. Fintan Munnu, Abbor, an. 634.
22. St. Donatus, B. of Fieſoli, gth cent.
27. St. Abban, Abbot, nephew of St. Ibar, 6th cent.
31. St. Foilan, * brother io 88. Ulean and Furſey,
The Iriſh commemorate on the 2d, St. "Diab C..of Lensch
Odhran in Munſter, an, 543. On the 8th, St. Abbot of
Inis-cealtra, an. 1640, On Ache 12th, St. Mobhius lairineach, (call-
ed alſo Berchan) Abbot of Glaſnaidh on the plains of the Liffey, an.
Nene the ub, 8 (or Chera) Abbeſe of Kikchera in
0 TAY et ts .
r in the ſer of athaig, an. 29
St. Colman of Ki 7 on whom
fre A. $8 Hi ad + Fob
1 446 J
NOV E M B E R.
2. St. Vulgan, Recluſe, qth cent. ;
3. St. Malachy, B. of Ardmagh, an, 1148. 4
9. St. Benignus, (or Binen) B. an. 468.
12. St. Livin, B. M. an. 633. |
13. St. Conſtant, C. of Loch-erne, an. 777.
St. Chillen, (or Kilian) C. th cent.
14. St. Laurence, B. of Dublin, an. 1181.
15. St. Malo, or Maclovius, a Briton, an. 565, or 570. b
20. St. Maxentia, V. M. x
at. St. Columban, Abbot, an. 615. phil ; .
24 St. Cianan, (or Kenan) B. of Duleek, in Meath, an. al
439. :
27. St. Virgilius, B. of Saltzburg, an. 784. |
S $t, Secundinus, (called Seachnal) B. of Dunſeachnal, |
or Dunſaghlin, in Meath, an. 447. Fir
| | -| The Iriſh commemorate on the zd, St. Erc, firſt B. of Slane, in 1.
Meath, an. 513. On the 1oth, St. John, B. of Mecklenburg, M. Du
an. 1066. And St. Aedus, Abbot of Enach-midbrenin in Muſcray, ahh
an. 588. On the tith, St, Sinellus, Abbot of Cluain- inis in Loch- Ep
erne, 6th cent. On the 15th, St. Duloch, of Fingall, C. On the
24th, St. Colman, ſon of Lenin, firſt B. of Cloyne, and diſciple of
St. Finbarr, an. 604, or according to the four Maſters, in 600. On
the 3oth, St, Brendan, Abbot of Birr, cotemporary of St. Brendan of
Cluain-fearta, an. 564, or 574.
m.
147 ]
DIC
12. St. Finian, B. of Cluain-iraird, (called Clonard) in
Meath, an. 552.
St. Columb, Abbot, ſon of Crimthain, and founded
of Tirdaglas, an. 548.
St. Cormac, Abbot.
St. Colman, Abbot of Glendaloch, an. 659.
15. St. Florence, (or Fenn) Abbot of — <.4
16. St. Beanus, B.
19. St. Samthana, Abbeſs of Cluain-bronach, in Teffia,
an. 738.
26. St. Jarlath, B. of Tuam, an. 540,
The Iriſh commemorate on the iſt. St. Neſſan, C. diſciple of St.
Finbarr, and patron of Cork, 7th cent. he is alſo honoured on the
17th of March. On the 14th, SS. Fingar and Companions, MM.
in Cornwall, an. 445. On the 18th, St. Flannan, firſt B. of Killa-
Joe, 5th cent. And St. Magnenius, Abbot of the monaſtery near
Dublin, called from him Kilmainham. On the 26th, St. Comman,
abbot and founder of the church of Roſcommon, ſince tranſlated to
Ephin.
F 448 J
Beſides theſe Saints, we find many others in Iriſh
calendars, martyrologies and annals. Nor wil] the
greatneſs of the number be a matter of ſurpriſe, if it
be conſidered that for the ſpace of- three hundred years
after its converſion to chriſtianity, ' Ireland has been ce-
lebrated even by foreign writers as an Iſland of Saints,
and the mart of ſacred literature, from which iſſued
ſome of the greateſt ornaments of the church. Hither
the youths of the continent and of Britain reſorted fre-
quently for their cultivation; and from hence profeſſors
have been invited by foreign princes for the eſtabliſh-
ment of univerſities, and for founding ſeminanes of
true knowledge in different parts of Europe. Though
we have already touched on this ſubject, we find our-
ſelves under an obligation of returning to it, that we
may remove the aſperſion of Mr. Hume, a celebrated
modern hiſtorian, who ſcrupled not to contradict on
is head all our ancient :ddcuments;, domeſtic and fo-
reign. He has done ſo, without giving us any autho-
rity but i hu, for the contradiction. Fo his Hiſtory of
England he advances, that the Iriſh from the be-
ginning of time. had been buried in the moſt profound
rbariſm and ignorance.” To this barbarifm, common
originally to all European nations, Mr. Hume ſets no
limitation in regard to lreland; and in this, as in other
inſtances, his candour failed him. Among the inha-
bitants of the Weſt, civilization was ſlow and gradual ;
and among the remoteſt, the lights of nature aſſiſted
by caſual intercourſes with other nations, might in fa-
vourable periods of time produce great efforts for form-
ing a good civil ſtate. In a country long free, and
long undiſturbed, the caſe is very probable, and the old
annaliſts of Ireland affirm it to be a fact in regard to
their own country. The obſervation made by eccleſi-
aſtical hiſtorians, that the goſpel on its firſt promulga-
tion made the quickeſt progreſs among civilized nations,
affords no mean ſupport to the relations of the Iriſh wri-
ters on this ſubject, Ireland's being converted to the goſpel
® Vol 1. c. 9.
S A Ari
- ©
1 449 ]
in fewer than thirty years from St. Patrick's miſſion, in-
fers ſuch a proof of . anterior civilization, as no modern
ſcepticiſm can overturn. On that converſion; it became
the prime ſeat of learning in Chriſtendom, as the learn-
ed Prideaux has acknowledged in his Connexion of the
New and Old Teſtament and to quote ancient authori-
ties in proof, would be endleſs.
But this ſtate of things in Ireland had an unhappy re-
verſe. In the ninth century it was invaded and waſted
by ſucceſſive ſwarms of heathen Normans. Its ſeats
of learning were demoliſhed to their foundations. A
relaxation of morals commenced ; and the licenſe of a
civil government, including all the miſchiefs of the
feudal ſyſtem, had to the miſeries of foreign depreda-
tions added thoſe of | domeſtic” diſorder. Mr. Hume
careleſs to correct, or unwilling to curb his- inclination
to general cenſure, has in the caſe before us made no
diſtinction. On the contrary, he affirms, on his own
bare authority, that in the middle ages the Iriſh felt
the invaſions of the Danes and the other northern
ple; but the inroads (he ſays) which ſpread barbariſm
in the other parts of Europe, tended rather to improve
the Iriſh.” The reverſe is the real fact. The Iriſh,
thongh in the decline of their virtue and power, im-
proved thoſe northern barbarians, as ſoon as they con-
ſented to give them ſettlements on their ſea-coaſts.
By the labours of their clergy, they converted them to
chriſtianity; and it was then that the Oſtmen (as they
were called) began to build towns in the maritime
diſtricts granted to them, and to make ſome amends
for the many populous, though unwalled, towns they
had demoliſhed in their former inroads, |
The re-eſtabliſhment of facts important to eccleſi-
aſtical hiſtory, and public edification, could not appear
to greater advantage than in the preſent work. It is no
unequivocal proof of its merit, that the French, a na-
tion famous for biography and critical learning, have
found it worthy of tranſlating into their own language,
The French editor does not heſitate to pronounce it the
Vol. XII. Gg
1 450 J |
beſt work of the kind that ever was publiſned. We find
however that he was not ſupplied with many of the
corrections and additions, Which: the author had pre-
pared for a new edition: and this will account for ihe
miſtakes which we meet with in the French: tranflation,
particularly in the lives of the. Iriſh: and Scottiſh ſaints.
Theſe muſt readily occur to the reader, and it is hoped SA
will be attended to 1n the next French edition.
Dublin; 34ſt OR. 1780. n W x1
4
*
Nous repetons d' apres des perſonnes auſſi impartiales qu' eclairces,
que cet ouvrage eſt le plus ſavant & le plus ſage qui ait paru en ce
genre, juſqu'a nos jours. Le ſavant & pieux Auteur, egalenent
eloigne de tous les 'exces, n'a eu dl autre but que celui dedifier &
d'inſtruire tout © la ſois.“ See advertiſement at the end of the 7th
tome of the French edition, Paris, 1769.
©
7
A
> > = >» > > 2» >
7 >
2
g h
8. A
Ad
8. Zdeſivs, A. April 8.
A GENERAL
ALPHABETICAL TABLE
e
SAINTS * Others, of whoſe ve ſome Ac-
count is given in this Work.
N. B. The perſons and principal matters, . in the notes,
are marked by aſteriſks,
A.
* Aaron, Abbot, * 21.
S. Abban, Abbot, Oct. 2 a.
* Abelard, in S. Bernard, ug. 20.
8. Abdas, 'B. May 16. |
Abdjeſus, B. M. May 16.
SS, grads and Sennen, MM.
] ,
S. Ae. B. Feb. 14.
8. Abraamius, B. M. Feb. 5.
SS. Abraham and Mary, Mar. 15.
S. Acacius, B. C. March 31.
SS. Acepſimas and Comp.
March 14.
1 _— in St, Antoninus, May
88. Acts and Acheolus, MM.
May 1.
8. Adalard, Abbot, Jan. 2.
8. Adalbert, B. M. April 23.
8. Adamnan, Abbot, Sept. *
S. Adela, Sept. 8.
S. Adelbert, 8 June 25.
*. Adelbert, in St. Alice, Dec. 16.
8. Ado, B. C. Dec. 16.
8. Adrian, Abbot, Jan. 9
S8. Adrian, B. M. March. 4.
S8. Adrian and Eubulus, MM.
March 5.
8. Adrian, M. Sept. 8.
* Adrian, Emp. in St. e
roſa, July 18.
S. Aelred, Abbot, Jan, 12.
'S. Agatha, V
S. ÆEngus, B. C. March 11.
SS. Afra and Comp. MM. Aug. 5.
SS. Agape, Chionia, &c. MM,
April 3,
8. Agapetus, M. Au
8. Keen, Po No Sept. 20.
M. Feb. 5.
8. — elus, M Jan. 23.
S. Agatho, Pope, Jan. wn 1 2
8. Agilus, Abbot, Aug, 30.
8. Agnes, V. M. Jan. 21.
dico, Jan. 28.
S. Agnes, V. Abbeſs, April 20.
SS. Agoard and A bet MM.
fone 25,
Agrippa. in St. James, July 25,
1 Aibert, Recluſe, April 7.
S. Aicard, Abbot, C. Sept. 15.
8. Aid, Abbot, April 11.
8. Aidan, BC. Aug. 31.
S. Aidan, B. Oct. 20.
8. Ajutre, Recluſe, C. April 30.
8. Alban, Proto- martyr of Bri-
tain, June 22.
B. Albert, Patr. of Jeruſalem,
April 8. |
S. Albeus, B. C. Sept. 12.
* Altighaſes, in St. Dominic,
& * March 1.
8. Alemund, M. March 19.
88. 4 7 and Tilberht, BB.
| * 2 in abe. John of Beverley,
May 7.
8 2
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL TABLE
8. Aldegondes, V. Abb. Jan. 30.
S. Aldhelm, B. May 25.
S. Aldric, B. C. Jan. 7.
8. Alexander, B. of Alexandria, C.
Feb. 26. ;
S. Alexander, B. of Jeruſalem, M.
March 18. .
S Alexander, Pope, M. May 3.
Alexander of Hales, in St. Bo-
naventure, July 14.
S. Alexius, C. July 17.
Alfred the Great, in St. Neot,
On
— — his Laws, ib.
S. Alice, V. Ab. Feb. 5.
8. Alice, Empreſs, Dec. 16.
8. Alipius, B. C. Aug. 15.
S. Almachus, M. Jan. 1.
8. Alnoth, Anch. M. Feb. 27.
8. Aloyſius Ar C. June 21.
88. Alphæus, &c. MM. Nov. 18.
S. Alphonſus Turibius, B. C. Mar.
23.
8. Alts, Abbot, Sept. 5.
S. Amaiid,” B. C. food 18.
8. Amandus, B. C. Feb. 6.
S. Amator, B. C May nn...
8. Amatus, B. C, Sept. 13.
8. Amatus, Abbot, Sept. 13.
8. Ambroſe, B. D. Dec. 5.
America, account of, in 8.
Roſe, Aug. 30.
S. Ammon, H. OR. 4. |
* Amolon, B. in S8. Prudentius,
' Apr. 6.
8. Amphilochius, B. C. Nov. 23.
S. Anacletus, Pope, M. July 13.
8. Anaſtaſia, M. Dec. 28. |
Another 8. Anaſtaſia, M. ib.
8. Anaſtaſius, M. Jan, 22.
8. Anaſtaſius, the Sinaite, April
| 21. b 4 wa. |
8. Anaftaſius, Patriarch, Apr. 21.
8. Anaſtaſius, the Younger, B. M.
April 21. | |
8. Anaſtaſius, Pope, C. April 27.
8. Andeolus, M. yy 1
8. Andrew Corſini, B. C. Feb. 4.
8. Andrew, Deacon, C. Aug. 22.
8. Andrew of Crete, M. OR. 17.
S. Andrew Avellino, C. Nor.
10.
8. Andrew, Apoſtle, Nov. 30.
8. Angelus, M. May 5.
Angel Guardians, 2.
8. — B. April 25.
8. Anian, B. C. Nov. 17.
8. Anicetus, Pope, M. April 17.
8. Anyſia, M. Dec. zo.
8. Anne, Mother of the B. V. M.
July 26.
* Anne of S. Bartholomew, Ven.
in 8. Tereſa, Oct. 15.
8. Anno, B. C. Dec. 4.
S8. Anſbert, B. C. Feb. g.
8. Anſcharius, B. C. Feb. 3.
8. Anſelm, B. C. March 18.
8. Anſelm, B. C. April 21.
8. Anſtrudis, V. Abbeſs, OR. 17.
8. Anterus, Pope, Jan. 3.
8 Anthelm, B. C. June 26.
SS. Anthimus,” Biſhop and Comp.
. . MM. April 25. |
S. Antipas, M. April 11.
8. Antoninus, B. C. May 10.
S. Antony, Abbot, Jan. 17.
8. Antony Cauleas, B. C Feb,
.
88. Antony, John, &c. Martyrs,
April 14. _
„S. Antony of Padua, C. June 13.
S. Aper, B C. Sept. 15.
S. Aphraates, Anchoret, April 7.
S. Apian, M. April 2.
G Apollinaris, H. Jan, 8.
Apollinaris, B. M., July 2
8. Apollinaris bp B. *
Aug. 23.
8. Apollo, Abbot, Jan: 25.
S. Apollonia, V. M. Feb. 9.
SS. Apollonius, Philemon, &c.
MM. March 8.
8. Apollonius, the Apologiſt, M.
April 18. f
Arabic cyphers, in S. Tereſa,
Oct
9
8. N B. C. July 21.
8. Arcadius, M. Jan. 2.
Architecture of Churches, in 8.
Lewis, 25 Aug and Noy. ts.
5
0 gg Sy ge gn g g AA
>>> > > > > > >»
>>
#O P BUOY 9 9 9 9 e
rere >»
*
95
—
SSP FRP
Nov.
Ven,
8. Baradat, Solitary, Feb. 22.
oF THE SAINTS, &c.
„ Armenians, in S. Gregory,
Sept. 30.
88. Armogaſtes, Archinimus, &c.
MM. March 29.
* Arnobius, in SS. Potamiana,
Ke. June 28. |
8. Arncul, B. C. July 18.
8. Arnoul, M. July 18.
S. Arnoul, B. C. Aug. 15.
* Arians, in 8. Athanaſius, May
2, 8. Alexander, Feb. 26,
and S. Meletius, Feb. 12.
8. Arſenius, Anch. July ©.
8. Artemius, M. Oct. 20.
8. Aſaph, B. C. May 1. 5
8. Aſerivs B. C. Oct. 30.
8. Athanaſius, B. C. May 2.
8. Attracta, V. Feb. . 2 4
8. Aubert, B. C. Dec. 13. **
8. Avertin, C. May 5.
8. Augulus, B. M. eb. .
1 Apoſtle of England,
C. May 26.
S. Auguſtin, B. 'D. Aug. 28.
8. Avitus, Abbot, June 17.
8. Aunaire, B. Sep t. g 21;
8. Aurea, V. Abbeſs, OR. 4.
8. Aurelian, B. C. june 16.
8. Aurelius, ; B. C. July 20.
. * in S. Paulinus, Jan.
8. e Nov. 1.
8. Authaire, or 8. Oys, in 4.
Faro, Oct. 28.
8. Auxentius, H. Feb. 14.
88. Azades, Fharba, &c. MM.
April 22. |
KH j068. <2
-
s B.
8 Baboles, Abbot, Juve 46.
8. Babylas, B. M. Jan. 24. |
8. Bademus, Abbot, V. April 10.
S. Bain, B. June 20.
8. Baldrede, B. C. Match 6.
8. Barbara, V. M. Dec.
88. 1 &. Martyrs
Jan. I4.
n Feb. 19.
8. Barhadbeſciabas, M. July 21.
S. Barlaam, M. Nov. 19.
S. Barnabas, Apoſtle, June 11.
S. Barr, B. C. Sept. 25.
8. Barſabias, Abbot, and Comp.
MMM. Oct. 20.
S. Barſanuphius, Anch. Feb. 6.
S. Barſimæus, B. M. Jan. zo.
8. Bartholomew, C. June 24.
S. Bartholomew, Apottle, Aug.
24. & *
Bartholomew de las Caſas, in 8.
Turibius, March 23.
Bartholomew de 3 in
S. Lewis,. OR.
S. Baſil of Ancyra, March 22,
S. Baſil the Great, 8. C. June 14.
88. Baſilides, Quirinus, St: MM.
Wy #7 £310
8. Baſilifeus, M. May 22:
88. Baſiliſſa and Anaſtaſia, MM.
April 15,
8. Bathildes, Queen, Jan. 30.
8. Bavo, Anchoret, Oct. 1.
S. Beanus, B. Dec 16.
S. Becan, Abbot, April's.
8. Bede, C. May 27.
8. Bega, V. Sept. 6.
8. Begga, Abbot, Dec. 17.
VI in 8. Silverius, Jan
8. BenediQ Biſcop,- "Abbot, Jan.
12.
S. Benedict of Mane Abbot,
Feb. 12. |
S. Benedict, Abbot, March 21.
8. Benedict Il Pope, Ys May 7.
S. Benedict XI. Pope, C 100 7
8. Benezet, C. April 74. |
S. Benjamin, M. March 31.
8. Benignus, M. Nov. 1.
S. Benignus, B. Nov. 9
ol Denne, in 8 1301 April |
| 19.
3 Bernard, in $. Philip, May 26. |
B. Bernard, C june 15 1
8. Bernard. Abbot, Aar 20.
8. Bernard Prolemy, C. Aug 21.
20+
8. Bernardi of vienna, . 1 1
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL I ABLE
©. Bernward; B. C. Nov. 20.
8. Bertha, ;Abbefs,. July. 4-
S. Berzille, Abbeſs, Nov. 5.
8 Bertin, „ Sept. 5.
Bertlan, B : Ju ly *
* — Cardigal, in 8. Philip,
ay 26.
8. Beueler Hermit, 0 Sept. .
8. Benno, . Abbo t. April 21. C4
S. Bibiana, MM. Dec. 2.
© Bible; Verſions of, in 9. Lucian,
7 0 N ad 8. Jerqw, Sept.
8. 9 ou B. & Dec. — 3 ®
8. Blaan, B, Aug. 10.
8. Blajthanaic, 4 * yok 19, '
S. Bobo, C.. |
. 19 in 3. hs Pope, Ma
9 Boill. 0. Feb. 23.
8 Bolcan, Abbot, Jy q .
SS. Bona and Doda, VV. AA.
April24-
8. BonaventuregBuC. Joly: 14.
8. Boniface, B. C. March 14.
S. Boniface, M. May ta.
S. Boniface, By M. June 3.
S. Boniface, B. M. Jane 39.
$-Boniface 1; Pope, C. Och 25.
Bonitus, B. — by 15
85, Ponofugand Maximilina, MMM.
Aug 21.
8. Botnlph,cAbbor, June'17: pF
* Bourguoin, in S. Philip, May 26.
8. Branlio, B. C. March 26.
8. Breaca, V.- June *
& Brendan, Abbot, May 16.
8. Brice, B. C. Nor. 13.
S. Brieuc, 8 2 Mays
8. Brigit, V. Ah. Parr, of Ireland,
Feb. .
J: Brigit of Sweden, W. OR. 8.
S. Brinſtan, B. Nov. 4.
S. Brithyyald,'B. Jad. 9. ;
* Britons, +5anſyiigration. of; to
. in 8. Gildaa; Jan.
8. . V. Abs Aprit.2
S. Bruno, B. C. July 18.
8. Bruno G Og. 6.
* S. Bruno, B. ib.
Bruno, B. ib.
8. Brynoth, B. C. 109
8. Burckard, B. C. 44 I
a Er A in 8. - Sigmund,
ay 1
8. Burians, Jan 4.1) |
EM
S. Cadoe, Abbot, Jun. 24-
S. Cadroe, C. Match 6.
8. Cæſarius, C. Feb. 25.
S8. Czfarius; B. C. Aug: 27.
8. Czſarius, *
8. tan, C. Aug.
8. G Abbot, 7
Calendar, in Jin. 1. and 8.
Tereſa, rt .
S. Calixtus, P 7 HA
8. Camillus de 4 Leine, C
S. Cammin, Abbot, Mares 3
Candles, bleſſiug of, in'Fob. 2.
S. Cadicus, or Renn, Abbot,
OG. ..
* Canonslaw, indy of i 8. Peter,
Nav. 26.
SS. Cantius, Cantianus, &c. MM.
* May 31. 9.
8. Canut, Jan.
S. Canutus, KI Jan: 19 |
& Caprais, Abbor,
8. Caradoc, H. April 13
S. Caraunus, M. May 25
N firſt uſed, in 8. Jane,
7 |
8. Carpus, B and — MM.
April 14.
8 Carthagh, B. May 14
S. Caſunir, C. Mareh 4
Caſſian, in 8. Victor, July 21.
S. Caſſian, M. Aug, 13
SS. Caſtus and _—— MM.
May»22-\ --
* 5 art Calixtus, OR
$:Catgidus; B. May 10.
„ Bi Cathan, B. C. May 17
8. Catharine of * V. Feb. 13
C5
8.0
IC
8.
8.
8.
„ 9
2
wound,
ane,
13.
8. Chriſtopher, M. July 25
or Tux SA TNT S, &c.
8. e 06 Belogra, Ware
ch
8. e E 3 Virgin;
pril 30.
. of Genoa, Widow;
e 0 Nov. 25.
Ceadda,; B. C. March 2.
10. Juse 32
> Een, VM VM dos: 22.
8. Ced
8. Cache Pope c C.-Apail .
Celibacy of the Clergy, i in
Pa phnutius, ** 1.
8. Celta B. April 6.
S. Ceolſrid, Abbot, Sept. 25.
Cerdos his errors, in GS. Hygi-
nus, Er
88 0. 1 22
Chair St. Peer, at. Rome,
Juan. 18.
— — Antioch,
Feb, Za.
B. Charlemagne, Emperor, Jan.
28, ,
g Charles, the Good, Ru
8. Chatle Parromes, Biſhop, C
* Char „. in 8. Francis Borgia,
08.10
8. Chef, "Abbot, Oct 29.
Child W. ſtyled Mariyrs, in 8.
iam, March 24.
8. Obillen, or Kilian, C. Nov. 13.
* China, account of, in Feb. 5+.
and Dec.
8. Chriſtina, * M. July 24
8. Chrodegang, B. C. Liarch 6.
8. Chromatius, C. Aug. 14:
S. Chronan, Abbot, April ab.
88. OR EEO and Daria, MM.
OR. 2
S. Chryſog — M. Nov. 24.
S. Chuniald, Prieſt, Sept. 2
* Churches, the ſeven of
in 8. Philip, May 26.
* Churches; ancient, their hi
altar how placed, &c.
* of the Church of
St. John Lateran, Nov. g.
8. Cianan, B. C. Nov. 24.
Cireumciſion of our Lord, Jan, 1.
8. Clare, V. Abb. Aug. 12.
8. Clare, V. Au LO
8. Clarus, M. Nov. 4. *
8. Claude: B. C. June 6. :
SS. Claudius, Aſterius, &c. MM.
Aug. 23:
8. Clement, B. M. Jan. 23.
8. Clement I: Pope, M. Nov. 23.
8. 8. Clement of Alexandria, B. C.
Dec. 4.
Clergymen, their obligation of
being inſtructed in the Canon
and” Grit Law, in 8. Peter,
Nov. 264
SS. Cletus and Marcellinus, PP.
MM. April 26.
Clocks, firſt uſed, in 8. Neot,
8 x is, Queen, ]
otildis une
8. 8 5 Den ih L
8. Cloud, N.
Coaches, firſt uſed, in S8. ra-
- ker,
8. Coëm 8 C 9 June 3.
B. Collette, V. Ab, March 6.
8. Colman, B. C. June 7.
S8. Colman Elo, Abb. C. Sept. 26.
S. Colman, M. Oct. 13.
8. Colman, Abbot, Dec. 12.
8. Columba, or Columkille, Abs
bor, June 9.
8. Columba, V M. Sept. 7.
8 Columba, rs SSD 12:
8. Columba,
Now. ab.
8 Columban; Abbot, C
* Columban,' of La Tra pe, in
8. Nilammon, Jan.
8. Comgall, Abbot, May 10.
S8. Conall; N May 22.
8. Concordius, Jan 2.
* Condren, in 8. Philip, May 26.
1 Congall, Abbot, July 2
— ions of Rej necks,
. Cajetan,
„
+> +a. > — : — rim
9
19
1
7
N
|
Fi
{
+
if 4
4
*
4
F _—
-
l
1
**
bl
i
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL 'T ABLE
8. Conon, B. Jan. 26.
88. Sogn and Son, MM. May
8 Comad. B. C. Nov. 26.
S. Conran, B. C Feb 14.
8, Conſtant, C. Nov. 13.
8. Conſtantine; M. March 11.
B. Conſtantine II. K. M. Aptil 2.
Conſtantine, Emperor, in 8.
Athanaſius, May 2. and 8.
Helen, Aug r8,. alſo his-tri-
umph b the Croſs, i in Exalt-
ation . the Croſs, Sept. 14.
Conſtantine Porphyrogeneta, in
88. Romanus, &c. July 24.
* Converts, many in the firſt ages
illuſtrious for birth and learn-
ing, in 8. Dionyſius, Oct. 3.
8. Corbinian, B. C. Sept. 8.
8 Corentin, B. C. Dec. 12.
Another 8 Coremtin, ib.
8. Cormac, B. C, Sept. 14.
8. Cormac, Abbot, e. 12.
S. Cornelius, Po „M. Sept. 16.
88. Coſmas and Damian, Martyrs,
Sept. 27.
* Councils, firſt Ea of Nice, —
in 8. Alexander, Feb. 27.
- of Sardica, appendix to
the Nicene, in Julius,
April 12.
Second General, being
ſirſt of Conſtantinople, i in S.
Meletius, Feb. 12: _
—— Third General, of E-
-. pheſus, in 8. Cyril, Jan. 28.
| and S, Celeſtine, April 6.
——— Fourth General, of
Chalcedon, i in St. Leo, "Apr.
11. and 8. Euphemia, .
16,
—— Seventh General, a
alnſt the Iconoclaſts, in 8.
Laraſius, Feb. 25.
—— Twelfth General, be-
ing the fourth of Lateran, in
8. Dominic, Aug. 4
Fourteenth 8
| being the ſecond of Lyons,
a 8. Gregory, Feb. 16. 8. Damaſus, lere, C. Dec. 11.
and 8. Bonaventure, July
14-
Council of Trent, in 8. Chirles,
Nov. 4.
—— of Baſil, in 8. John,
Oct. 2
s Lena, or Trullas,
in regory, Feb. 4
- Falſe of Rybeſes,”or
1 in S. F e
5 — 17. ans S. Leo, April
SS. Criſpin and Cripinian, MM,
Oct. 25.
S: Criſpi pina, M. Dec. 5
8. — Abbot, April 28.
Croſs, Invention of, May 3.
— Exaltation of, Sept. 14-
* Cruſades; account of, Aug. 20,
and 25.
SS. Cr "awe of Brothers, Martyrs,
ov. 8
8. Cucufas, M. july 25.
S. Cumin, B. Avg: 19.
S. Cunegunges, Empreſs, Mir. +
S. Cuthbert, B. C, March 20.
. — Tranſlation of, Sept,
4.
8. Cuthburge, an Aug, 31.
S. Cuthman, C. Feb. 8.
8. Cybar, Recluſe, July r.
S, Cyprian, B. M. Sept. 16
88. . and Juſtina, MM.
pt. 26.
88. Cyriacus, Links. Sc. MM.
Aug. 8.
8. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria,
Jan. 28.
8. Cyril, Archby, of Jerufalew,
March 18.
8. Cyril, M. Ma
88. Cyril and lap a9. CC,
ec 22.
88. „Qu and John, MM. 1.
3 I. *
D.
8. Dabius, C. July 22.
e c > ROM 2 9 O
222 ee
nn « a EF OY
oF THE SAINTS, &c.
8. Damhnade, V. June 1 3.
* Dancing, remarks on, in Aug.
24.
* Danes, account of, in 8. Wil-
liam, Sept. 2.
88. Daniel and Verda, MM. Feb.
21. |
S8. Daniel, B. C. Nov. 23. |
S. Daniel, the Stylite, CG Dee. 11.
S. David, B. March 1. |
Death, ſure ſigns of, in 8. ca-
millus, July 14.
8 Declan, B. July 24.
S. Deicolus, Abbot, Jan. 18.
8. Deogratias, B. C. March 22.
S. Deſiderius, B. M. May 23.
Another S. Deſiderius, B. M. ib.
8. Deuſdedit, C. Aug. 10.
S. Didacus, C. Nov. 13.
88. Didymus and Theodora, MM.
April 28.
* Didymus, in S. Jerom, Sept 30.
8 Die, B. June 19
88. Dionyſia, Dativs, &c. MM.
Dec. 6.
S. Dionyſius, B. C. April 8.
S. Dionyſius, the Areopagite,
B. M. OR. 3.
8. Dionyſus, B. and Comp. MM.
Oct. 9.
8. Dionyſius, B. of Alexandria, C.
5 — ＋ bs Woe,
ion ope. C. 2
8. — C. Sept. 8.
* Divinities| of the ancient Per-
ſians, in 88. Sapor, “ &c. Nov.
8. — C. June 14.
8. Dominic, C. Auguſt 4.
S. Dominie Loricatus, C. Oct. 14
S. Domninus, M. October 9.
88. Donatian and Rogatian, MM.
May 24.
8. Doandeny: B. C. October 14.
* Donatiſts, in 8. Optatus, June
4- and S. Auguſtin, Aug 28
SS. Donatus, B. and Hilarinus,
MM. Auguſt 5.
S. Donarus, B 0. October 22.
i Dorotheus of Tyre, M. June.s.
S. Dorotheus, Abbot, June 5.
Other Dorotheus's, ib.
8. Dorothy, V. M February 6.
8. Dofitheus, Monk, Feb. 23.
S. Dotto, Abbot, April 9.
8. Droctoveus, Abbot, March 10.
8. Droſtan, Abbot, July 11.
S. Druon, Recluſe, April 16.
* Dublin, account of, in 8. Lau-
rence, November 14.
S. Dubricins, B. C. Nov 14.
8 Dumhade, Abbot, May 25.
8. Dunſtan, B. C. May 19.
S. Duthak, B C March 8.
8. Dympna, V. M. May 15.
” E. *
8. Eadbert, B C. May 6.
8 Eadburge, Abbeſs, Dec. 12.
8 Fanſwide, V. Ahbeſs, Sept 12.
SS. Ebba, Abbefs, and -omp.
MM. April 2. |
S. Ebba, V. Ab. Auguſt 25.
8. Edana, V. July 5.
S. Edburge, V Dec 21.
8 Edelburga, V. July 7
8. Edelwald, C. March 23.
8. Editha, V. September 16.
S. Editha, September 16.
S. Edmund, B. C. November 16.
* - his Conſtitutions, ib.
S. Edmund, K. M. November 20.
S. Edward, K M March 18.
8. Edward. K. C. October 13.
8. Edwin, K M. O& 4.
8. Egwin, B. January rt.
8. Eingan, C April 21.
S. Eleſbaan, K. C. October 27,
8. Eleutherius, B. M. Feb. 20.
S. Eleutherius; Pope, M. wy. 26.
8. Eleutherius, Abbot, Sept. 6
SS. Elias, Jeremy, Kc. MM. re-
bruar
S. Elier, HM M. Joly 16
8. Eligius, B. C. n
8. Elizabeth; V-Abbeſs, Ins 13:
8 EH zabeth, Queen, July 8: 2
8. Elizabeth of Hungary, W..
November 19. gets
-
— ——
— — — . ” — ——— — 2
— ——— PR. _*” CT.”
— — — — - — —
22 8
I ͤ wn vAIECS THAT Sr.
._
—
2 — == <w .
- —
— — —
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL 'T ABLE
8. Conon, B. Jan. 26.
88. reopen and Son, MM. May
„ 4 B. C. Nov. 26.
8. Conran, B. C Feb 14.
8, Conſtant, C. Nov. 13.
8. Conftamine; M. March 11.
B. Conſtantine II. K. M. Aptil 25
Conſtantine, Emperor, in 8.
Athanaſius, May 2. and 8.
Helen, Aug r8,. alſo his tri-
umph by the Croſs, i in Exalt-
ation ↄf the Croſs, Sept. 14.
* Conſtantine Porphyrogeneta, in
88. Romanus, &c. July 24.
* b Convent many in the firſt ages
illuſtrious for birth and learn-
ing, in 8. Dionyſius, Oct. 3.
8. Corbinian, B. C. Sept. 8.
8 Corentin, B. C. = 12.
Another 8 Coremtin, ib.
S. Cormac, B. C, Sept 212
S. Cormac, 4
8. Cornelius, Po
M. Sept. 16.
88. Coſmas! 5g
, Mar tyrs,
pt.
. Councils, 1 70 "EE: of Nice, —
in 8. Alexander, Feb: 27.
of Sardica, appendix to
the Nicene, in 8. Julius,
April 13.
'——— Second General, being
». firſt of Conſtantinople, i in 8.
| Meletius, Feb. 12:
— — Third General, of E-
-* / pheſus,, in 8. Cyril, Jan. 28.
| and S, Celeſtine, April 6.
— — Fourth General, of
Chalcedon, in St. Leo, 'Apr.
11. and 8. Euphemia, Sept-
2 16.
— — Seventh General, 4
ainſt the Iconoclaſts, in 8.
Laraſius, Feb. 28.
' ==—=—— Twelfth General, be-
ing the ane of Lateran, in
8. Dominic, Aug. 4
Fourteenth .
| being the ſecond. of Lyons,
u 8. Gregory, Feb. 16.
and 8. Bona venture, July
14
* Cougcit of Trent, in 8. Chirls,
Nov. 4
— of Baſil, in 8. John,
Oct. 2
I Sema, or Trulla,
in regory, Feb. 1
- Falſe of Epheſes or
.. in S. Flavian,
7 — 17. any S. Leo, April
SS. Criſpin and Cripinian, MM,
Oct. 25.
S: Cuiſpina, 1 Dec. 5
8. Cronan, Abbot, Agri 28.
Crols, Invention of, *
Exaltation of, Sept. 14.
* Cruſades, account of, Aug. 20,
and 25.
SS. Cr ood: Brothers, Martyrs,
ov. 8
8. Cucufas, M. July 25.
S. Cumin, B. Avg: 19. ys
S, Cunegunges, Empreſs, Mar. 3.
8. Cuthbert, B. C, March 20.
. — Tranſlation of, Sept.
8. 8 A Aug, 31.
8. Cuthman, C. Feb. 8.
8. Cybar, Recluſe, July r.
S. Cyprian, B. M. Sept. 16
88. — and Juſtina, MM.
88. Fo owns Links, c. MM,
Aug. 8. 1
8. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria,
Jan. 28.
8. Cyril, Archbp. of Jeruſalew,
March 18. *
S8. Cyril, M. May 29.
88. 3 and Methodius, CC.
ec. 22.
88. Cyrus and 1 2 MM. *
nie
D.
8. Dabius, C. July 22.
8. Damaſus, rere C. Dec. 11,
Dr
Pry e
PA
»« #4 =
1 PE n= 1 a a
oF THE SAINTS, &c.
8. Damhnade, V. June 13.
* Dancing, remarks on, in Aug.
24.
* Danes, account of, in S. Wil-
liam, Sept. 2.
88. Daniel and Verda, MM. Feb.
21.
8. Daniel, B. C. Nov. 23. |
S. Daniel, the Stylite, C. Dec. 11.
S. David, B. March
„Peach, ſute ſigns of, in 8. ca-
millus, July 14.
8 Declan, B. July 24.
S. Deicolus, Abbot, Jan. 18.
8. Deogratias, B. C. March 22.
S. Deſiderius, B. M. May 23.
Another S. Deſiderius, B. M. ib.
S. Deuſdedit, C. Aug. 10.
8. Didacus, C. Nov. 13.
88. Didymus and Theodora, MM.
April 28.
* Didymus, in 8. Jerom, Sept. 30.
8 Die, B. June 19.
SS. Dionyſia, Dativa, &c. MM.
Dec. 6.
8. Dionyſius, B. C. April 8.
S. Dionyſius, the Areopagite,
B. M. Oct. 3.
8. Dionyſius, B. and Comp. MM.
Oct 9. 77
S. Dionyſius, B. of Alexandria, C.
Nov. 17.
S. Dionyſius, Pope, C. Dec. 26.
S. Diſen, B. C. Sept. 8.
* Divinities| of the ancient Per-
= in 88. Sa por, &c. Nov.
8. . 0. June 14.
8. Dominic, C. Auguſt 4.
S. Dominie Loricatus, C. OR. 14+
S. Domninus, M October 9.
SS. Donatian and Rogatian, MM.
May 24-
8. Dealer B. C. October 14.
* Donatiſts, in 8. Optatus, June
4 ande 8 Auguſtin, Aug 28
SS. Donatus, B. and Hilarinus,
MM. Auguſt 7.
8. Donatus, B C. ORtober 22.
8. Dorotheus of Tyre, M. June 5.
S. Dorotheus, Abbot, June 5.
Other Dorotheus's, ib.
S. Dorothy, V. M February 6.
8. Doſitheus, Monk, Feb. 23.
S. Dotto, Abbot, April 9.
S8. Droctoveus, Abbot, March 10.
S. D-oftan, Abbot, July 11.
S. Druon, Recluſe, April 16.
bs Dublin, account of, in 8. Lau-
rence, November 14.
S. Dubricins, B. C. Nov 14.
8 Dumhade, Abbot, May 25.
8. Dunſtan, B. C. May 19.
S. Duthak, B C March 8.
8. Dympna, V. M. May 15.
2
8. Eadbert, B C. May 6.
8 Eadburge, Abbeſs, Dec. 12.
8 Fanſwide, V. Abbeſs, Sept 12.
SS. Ebba, Abbeſs, and Comp.
MM. April 2.
S. Fbba, V. Ab. Anguft 23.
8. Edana, V. July 5.
8. Edburge, V Dec 21.
S Edelburga, V. July .
8. Edelwald, C. March 23.
S. Editha, V. September 16.
8. Editha, September 16.
8. Edmund, B. C. November 16.
* - his Conſtitutions, ib.
S. Edmund, K. M. November 20.
S. Edward, K M March 18.
8. Edward. K. C. October 13.
8. Edwin, K M. Oct. 4.
8. Egwin, B. January rt.
8. Eingan, C April 21.
8. Eleſbaan, K. C. October 27.
8. Eleutherius, B. M. Feb. 20.
S. Eleutherins; Pope, M. ＋ 26.
8. Eleutherius, Abbot, Sept. 6. _
SS. Elias, Jeremy, Kc. MM. Fe-
bruar
S. Elier, NM M. July 16.
S. Eligius, B. C. December 1. -
8. Elizabeth, V Abbels, Tan 18.
. $ Elizabeth, Queen, July 8:
S. Elizabeth of Hungary, W. ;
November 19. 2
2
>
8 ALrHABETICAL TADLE
M. April 19
5. Ephegs, the Bald, B. A510 19.
83, 9 and Delphina, Sept.
id
S. Emerentiana, V. M. Jan. 23.
SS, Emeterius and *
MM. March 333
S. Eumeran, B. M. Sep 1. 22.
* Engliſh, Church — 95 in 8.
Alban, June 286. Devaſta-
tion of their libraries and li-
teratute, in 8. Auguſtine,
May 26 Their ancient faith,
ib. FR their firſt alpba-
bet from the Iriſh, ib. In-
vade Ireland, in Laurence,
November rg.
S. Enna, Abbot, March 21.
S8. Ennodius, B. C. July-47. :
S. E-phreny,, D. C. July 9.
88. chus and Alexander, &c.
. Martyrs, December 12.
S. Epiphanius, Biſhop of Pavia,
January a1.
S. Eichen Biſhop of Salamis,
May 12.
9 Epiphany, Jan January 6.
ve of, Januaty 13.
SS. Epipe: 77 4 Alexander,
artyrs, April 22.
* EpiQtetus, in SS; Marcellus, &c.
September . |
8. Equitius, Abbot,, Auguſt i;
S. Eraſinus, B. M. June 2. g
8. Eraſmus, B. M. November 25.
S. Erhard, Abbot, C. 1798
8. Eric, K M. May 1
8. Erkonwald, B, L. Apel 30.
8. Exlulph, B. M. February io.
8. Eſkill, B. M. June 12. t
S- Ethbin, Abbotz; October 19.
S. Echelbert, K. C. February 24.
S. Ethelbert, K. M., May 20.
S. Ethelburge, V &. OR: 1,
8. Etheldreda, V. Ab., Jone 23.
S. Etheldritha, V. Auguſt 2.
8. Ethelwold, B. C Auguſt 1.
,* Ethiopians, in 8. Frumentius,
October. 27.
. Evagrius, in S, Simeon, * 3.
8. Evariſtua, Pope, M. Oct. 26.
8. Eucherius, B. C. Feb. 20.
8. Eucherius, B. C. Nov. 16.
8. Everildis, Virgin, July .
* Eudes, in 8. Philip, May 2086
8. Epgenduy,. Abbot, January 1.
8. Eugenia, V. M Bec. 2
8. Eugenius, B. &c. CC. July 1 3.
8. Eugenius, B. Auguſt. 23.
S. Eugenius, M. November 15,
S8. Eulalia, V. M. February 12.
8. Eulalia, V. M. December 10.
AR Eulalia, V. M ib,
ulogins, Martyr, March 11.
8. Eulogius, B. C. Sept. 13.
8. Eunan, B. September 7.
8. Euphemia, V. . Bept. 16
8. Euphmaſia, V. March 13.
- Euplius, M. —
Eupſycbius; April
8. Evroul, Abbot, 2
8. Euſebius, Abbot, — 23.
8. Euſebius, _ June 21.
uly 16
8. Eulblus M. Avgult 14.
S. Euſehius, C. Auguſt 14.
88. | Gems Neſtablus, a. MM.
r
8. Euſebius, Pope, C. Sept. 26.
8. Euſebius, B. Dee. 18.
88. Euſtachius and Companions,
- Martyrs, September 20.
8. Euſtaſios, Abbor, March 29.
8. Euſtathius, B. .C July 16.
8. Euſtochium, V. Sept. 28.
8. Euſtochius, B. Sept. 19.
8. Euthymius, Abbot, Jan. 20.
SS. Eutropius, &. MM. Jan. 12.
* 'Eutyches, in S. Flaviao, Feb.
17.
8. Evurtius, B. C. Sept. 7.
SS. Ewalds, MM. Oct. 3.
8. Exuperius, B. * 28.
| F.
8. Fabian, Pope, M. Jan. 20.
SS. Faith, * &c, VV. MM.
Auguſt 1.
*
8
8
8
8
8
$
8
a
:
:
x
Wr Ai. A _ _ —
-” —— —_— i at.
Sw
Is;
oF ' THE: SAINT $; Xe.
88. Faith, V. and Comp. MM.
. OQtober 6.
St. Fanchea, Virgin, Jan. 1.
8. Fara, V. Abbefs, Dec. 7.
8. Faro, B. C. Oct. 28.
SS. Fauſtinus and Jovita, MM.
.
88. Fauſtus, Januarius, &c. MM.
Ogober 13
8. Fechin, Abbot, January 20.
8. Pedlemid. B. C. Auguſt 9.
§. Felan, Abbot, January 9.
SS. Felicitas, &c. MM. July 10.
S8. Felix, Prieſt; January 14.
8. Felix, B, C. Mareh 8.
&. Felix of .Catitalicio,/C. May 21.
S. Felix I. Pope, M. May 3o. -
S Pelz, B. C. July y. | |
S. Felix, Pope, M. July 29.
88. Felix and Adauctus, MM.
Auguſt 30.
8. Felix, M. October 24
8. Felis of Valois, C. Nov. 20.
Felix and Elipandus, in 8. Paul-
. . -nus; January 28.
8. Ferdinand III. K. C. Nh 30.
S. Ferrgol, M. 18.
88. Ferreolus 1 errutius, MM.
Jude 16.
8 Fiachna, C. Ap til 29.
S. Fiaker, Anchbies Cf Aug. 30.
8. Fidelis of Sigwaringen, A-
pri 24
8. Fidharleus, Abbot,” Oct. 1.
8. Finan, C. April
8. Finbar, Abbot, .
S. Finian, the Lex r, Match 16.
8. Finiat. B. C. + FO.
S. Finian, Abbot; October 21.
S. Fiajan; B C. Dec. 12.
8. Fintan, Abbot, Feb. 17.
S. Fintan; Abber, Oct. 21.
8. Firmin, B. M. Sept. 25.
8. Firminus II. B C. Sept. 1.
* Fiſher, B. temarks on, in 8.
8. Charles; Nov. 4.
88. Priars Minors, five, MM. Jan
8. Frances, W March
SS. _m— Domitilla, V. M. my
* Flavian I. B. in 8. Chryſoſtom,
Jam 23%:
8. Flavian, B. M. Feb. 17.
SS. Flora and Mary, VV. MM,
Nov. 24.
8. Florence, Abbot, Dec. 15.
* Florus, Deacon, in 8. Prudens
tius; April 6.
8. Flour, B. C. Nov. 3.
S. Foilan, M. Oct. 31
* B, Forannan, B. G. Jan. 21.
48. Fortunatus, B. C. Nov. 1.
S. Francis of Sales, B 8. C. Jan. 29.
S. Francis of Paula, C. April 2;
S. Francis Solano, C. July 24.
S. Francis of Aſſiſium, C. Oct 4.
Stigma's of, ib;
S. Francis Borgia, C. Oct. 10.
S. Francis Xavier, C. Dec 3
* Franks, in 8. — 4 — Oct. 1.
8. Frederick, B. M. July 18.
8 prideſwide, Virgin, Oct. 19.
S. Fridian, B. C. March 18.
8. Fridolin, C: March 6. ;
*S. Frigidianus, B. in 8. Wine:
bald, Dec 18
8 Fructuoſus, B. &c. MM. Jan. *
8. Fructuoſus, B C. — 16.
8 Frumentivs, B C. O 274
S. Fulgentius, B C Jan ..
-
-
S8. Furley, Abbot, Jan. 16.
SS. Fuſcian, ViQoricus; . MM.
Dec. 11. /
G.
8. Gal, Bi July i
Another 8 Gal, B. ib. =
S. Galdin, B. C. April 18.
S. Galdus, B. Jan. 31. 722
8. Gall, Abbot, O& 16.
8. Galla. Widow, Oct. =
S. Galmier, C. Feb, "ak ar 1 2:
S. Gamaliel, C. Aug: *
* Gamut, invention of, in 8. Wil
frid, Oct. 12
8. Er dg G Dec 18.
4
GuntrAL ALPHABETICAL TABLE.
8. Gaucher, Abbot, April g. Godfrey of Bouillon, in S. Ber-
5. Gaudentius of Breicia, B. GS nard, Aug 20
Oct. 25 8 Godrey, B. C. Nov. 8.
8. Gelafinus, M. Aug 26. 8. Godric, Hermit, May 21.
8. Gelaſius, Pope, C Nov. 21, S. Gontran, K C. March 28.
S. Genebrard, M. May 5 SS. Gordian and Epimachus, MM.
8. Geneſius, B. C. June 3. May 10
S. Geneſius, M. Aug —— | 8. Gordius, M. Jan. 3. |
8. Geneſius of Arles, M. Aug 26. 88. Gorgonius and Comp, MM.
8. Genevieve, Virgin, Jan. 3. Sept. 9.
8. George, M. April 23. ©. Bike Granada, Lewis of, in 8 Leuis,
S. Gerald, B. March 13. 95
8. Gerald, Abbot, April 3. 8. Gregory, B. Jan. 4
8. Gerald, C. Oct. 3. S. Gregory 11. Pope, C. Feb. 13.
8. Gerard, B. C. April 23. S. Gregory X. Pope, C. Feb. 16.
8. Gerard, B. M. Sept. 24. 8 Gregory of Nyſſa, B. C. March
S. Gerard, Abbot, Oct. 3. 9.
S8. German and 8 MM. S. Gregory the Great, Pope, —
„Feb. 21. | | March 12
8. Germanius; B. May 8. Gregory Naa, B, C. May
S. Germanus, B. C. 2 9.
S. Germanus, B. C. jun 7.8 Gregory VII. Pope, C. May 25.
8. Germanus; B. C. Oct. 30. — Gregory, B. C. june 15;
S. Getmer, Abbot, Sept. 24. Gregory, Abbot, C. Aug. 25.
8 Gertrude, V. Ab. Na 17. $ Gregory, Apoſtle of Armenia,
S Gertrude, V. Abbels, Nov. 15. B. C. Sept. 30.
— SS. Gervaſius and Protafius, MM. S. Gregory Thaumaturgus, B. C.
June 19 | Nov. 17.
8. Gery, B C. Aug. EX. Gram of Tours, C. Nov.
88. Getulius and Comp. MMI. $9-4
june 10. 8. Gregory, M. Dec 24.
S. Gilbert, Abbot, Feb. 4. 8. Grimbald, Abbot, July 8.
8 Gilbert, B. April 1. S. Grimonia, V. M Sept, 7.
8. Gildard, BC: June 8. 8 Gudula, V, Jan 8. 4
$:/Gildas the Wiſz, Abb Jun: 29. S. Gudwall, B. C. June 6, ;
S. Gildas, the Albaniah,.C.. Jan. * Guelphs; i in 8 Conrad, Nov. 26.
| 29. S. Guinoch, B. C. April 13.
B. Giles, in S. Bonaventure, 8. Guiſlain, Abbot, OR. 9.
h July 14 | S. Gummar; C. Oct 11,
8. Giles, Abbot, Sept. 1.” '.* © 8. Gundleus, C. March 29-
* Glaſtenbury, in 8. Dunſian, S8. Gunthiern, Abbot, July 3.
10. S. Guthagon, Recluſe, July
8. on my B. Jan. 28. S. Guthicke, Hermit, April 2
* Glendaloch,” account of, in S. 8 Guy, C. March 31.
Cotmgen, June 3. S8. Guy, C, Sept. 2
8 Goar, C Jaly 6. | © Guy, earl of Warwick, in 8.
S. Gobain, M. June 20. bricius, Nov. 14.
8 Godard, B. C. May 4- 1 Madame de, in 8. Joho,
$5. Godeſchalc and Comp. MM. ov, 24
June * FAY" 8. Gybrian, Fiel, C. May 8.
—
OOO UWwUOOUL SOV. 0
OF THE SAINTS, &c.
H.
8. Harold VI. K. M. Nov. 1.
* Haymo, in 8 Bonav July 14.
S. Hedda, B. C. July 7.
8. Hedwiges, Widow, Oct. 17:
* Another S. Hedwiges, id.
8. * — 7.
S. Helen 14.
8. Helen, Empre Aug: 18.
S Hemma, Widow, June 29.
8. Henry, Hermit, Jan. 16.
S. Henry, B M. Jan. 19-
B. Henry, C. June 10.
S. Henry II. Emperor, July 15.
Henry Suſo, in 8. Lawrence,
Sept. 5.
. Heath the Good, in SS. Criſpin,
&c. OR. 25.
* Herluin, Abbot, in S. Anſelm,
B. Haben Joſeph, C. April
man Jo
8. — 22 25 pril 7:
8. Hermenegild, M. April I3.
8. Hermes, Al. Aug. 28.
* Herod, in Decollat, of S. John
Baptiſt, Aug. 29.
S. Hidulphus, B. July 11.
8. Hilarion, Abbot, Oct. 21.
8. Hilary, B. Jan. 14 |
8. Hilary of Arles, B. C. May 5.
8. Hilda, Abbeſs, Nov. 18.
8. Hildegardis, V. Abbeſs, Sept.
7
* Hincmar, in S. Prudentius, Apr.
6.
S. Hippolytus, M. Aug. 13:
S. Hippalytus; B. M. Aug. 22.
* Holy-well, miracles wrought
ok in S. Wenefride, New.
8 —.—. C. Nov. 1 3.
S. Honoratus, B Jan. 16,
S. Honoratus, B. C. May 16.
8 Honorius, B. C. Sept.
30.
* Honour, titles of, in 8. Oſwald,
Feb. 29 |
8 Hormiſdas, M. Aug. 8.
S. Hoſpitius, Recluſe, Oct 15.
8 e C. Nov- 3.
| * Janſeniſm, in 8.
S. Hugh, B. C. April r.
8. Hugh, Abbot, C. April 29.
* Hugh and Richard, in S. Victor,
uly 21.
8. Hugh of Lincoln, M. Aug. 27.
8. Ke of Lincoln, B. C. Nov.
8 H in M. Nov 20.
Hunns, account of, in 8. Ste-
phen, Se dt.
8. Hyacinth, C. Au
S. Hyginus, Pope, M. Jos Jan. 11.
0
488. Ia, Breaca, &c. in 8. Kin,
March 5.
8. James, C. April 20.
SS. James, Marian, &c. MM,
April 30
James the Leſs, Apoſtle, May r.
* of Niſibis, B C. July
8. * the Great, e, July
25
8. James, M. Nov. 27.
8. James, C. Nov: 28.
8. Jane Frances de Chantal, W. |
Abbeſs, Aug 21.
Jul
19.
SS. Januarius, B. and OE MM.
Sept.
19.
* Japan, account of, in 8. Francis
Xavier, Dec. 3. and Feb: 5.
S Jarlat, B. C. Dec. 26.
8. bar, B April 23.
S. Ida, Widow, Sept 4.
8. Idaber a, V. June 20.
8. Idus, B. July 14
8. Jean, Queen, Feb.
S. Jerom
miliani, C. nee
8 Jerom, D. C. Sept
* Jewiſh Tribes, their? captivity,
in the Seven —_—
Aug. 1.
8. Ignatius, B M. Feb. U. .
8. Ignatius of Loyola, C. July 31.
8. Ignatius, Patriarch of Conſtan-
tinople, Oct 23
8. 3 B. Jan. 23:
incent of Paul, 7
F4 ** _ ODT "I. — . DAE Red. Ma...
=. *
GEntraAL ALPHABETICAL T aBLr
8. Illidius,B; C. June 5.
8. Itutus, Abbot, Nov. 6.
Fe Innocent I. Pope, C July 28.
nnocents, Holy, Dec 28.
®. Inquiſition, origin of, *
_ - mipic, Aug.
4 Joachim, C. Abri 16.
beer Queen, Feb. 4
8.
8 oavan, B. C March 2.
8. Jodoc, C. Dec. 13.
S. John Calybite, Recluſe, Jan.
Is.
8. 1 the Almoner, Patriarch,
* Chryſoſioms, B. C. Jan.
8. Jobo of Reomay, Abbot, Jan.
Jo of Matha, C. Feb. 8.
8. John of God, C. March 8.
hn of, Avila, Ven; ib.
8. Jn of Leype. Hermit, March
8. 72 — Climacus, Abbor, March
8. John before the Latin Gate,
May 6. :
S. John amaſcen, C; May 6.
S. John of Beverley, B. C. May 9.
S. John the Silent, B. C. May 13.
S. Jobn Nepomucen, M. — 16.
8. John of Prado. M. on 2
n Baptiſt Gault in 8.
Philip, May 26. :
| ohn, Lope, M. May 27.
5 ohn of un, C. june 12.
S. John Ftancis Regis, C. June 16.
SS. John. and Faul, MM. June 26.
8. John, Prieſt; C June 27.
— John Gualbert, Abbot, July 12.
S. John Columbini, C..July 31.
8. John W Nativity of, "June
2 24
3 — Decollation of,
9-
S, KOT: Dwarf, Anchoret,
Sept. 15.
| 6. Jokn.of ridlington, C. OR.
s. Jokn-Capiſtran, C. O 23.
oannicius, Abbot, Nov: " > the!
8. John Lateran, dedication of the
church of, Nov
1 John of the Croſs C. Nov. 24.
B. ohn Marinoni, C. Dee. 13.
8. John, any and Evangeliſt,
Dec
88. Jonas as Comp, MM, March
. Tl an Iriſh writer, in 8. Co-
lumban, Nov. 21. .
8. Joſeph of Leoniſſa, C. Feb 4.
8. Joſeph of een Starch
S, Joſeph, b March 19.
8. Joſeph Barſabas, C. July 20.
8. joſeph of Paleſtine, July 22.
S. Joſeph Calaſanctius, C. Aug.
27.
8. Joſeph of MY C. Sept.
S uche, B. C. Ang. 24.
* lreland. the ancient Scotia, in 8.
Patrick, March 17, and 8.
Palladius, july 6. Gave birth
to the two firſt Univerſities,
in 8. Comgall, May 10, and
8. Alto, Sept. 5. |
* Iriſh, their monks, ib. Their
language, in 8. Remigius,
Oct. 1. State of, in 8. Lau-
rence, Nov. 14. Their ca-
lendat, in A ö
8. Irenæus, Bp. 2 M.
March 24.
8. Irenæus, B. M. June 28.
8. Iſabel, Virgin, Aug. 31.
88. * Sabas, &c. MM. Jan.
8. bes, M. Dec. a2.
8. Iſidore — Alexandria, Prieſt,
. Jen. 2
8. Ifidore of Sets, Hermit, Jan.
15.
8. . of Pelufium, Monk,
eb. 4.
8. Iſidoxe, 5 April 4.
8. Isidore, C. May 10.
8. Na, Virgin, Jan. 1
S. Jude, Apoltle, Oct. a.
S. jvia, B. April 25.
8. Jolla, . M. May 23.
erer 8 D©@
> FA on 4 + A PA MPA mn» r
CO mM DB 2p in 55 BhmyHt
t,
or rut SAINT S, &c.
88. _ and Baſiliſſa, MM, 88. Kilian, Colman, &c. MM.
S. 14. Jan. 27.
88. Julian, Chronion, &c. MM.
Feb. 27. |
8. Julian, B. C. March 8.
S. Julian, M. March 16.
S. Julian, 3 July 6.
8. julian, M. Aug.
* ulian Sabas, — 18.
* ſulian the Apoſtate, in 88. Ju-
ventin, &c. Jan. 25, and in
8. Theodoret, Oct. 2 3.
vain attempt to rebuild —
temple ot Jeruſalem, in 8.
Cyril, March 18.
21 — Count, bis mega end,
in 8. Theodoret, Oct. 23.
S8. Juliana, V. M. Feb. 16.
8. Juliana Falconieri, V. June 19.
8. Julitta, M. July 30.
8. Julius, Pope, C. April 12.
8. Jui M. May 27.
SS, Julius and Aaron, MM. July 1,
88. — and Rufina, MM. Jy
8. Juſtia, M . June 1. Sa
8. Juſtin, M. OR. 18.
S. Juſtina, V. M. OR, 9.
S. Juſtinian, H. M. Aug. 23.
* Juſtinian, Emperor, in S. Aga-
us, Sept. 20.
88. l and Paſtor, MM. Au-
8. Juſtus, B. C. Nov. A
SS. Juventin and areas MM.
Jan. 25;
K.
L
8. Kebius, B. April 25.
S. Kenelm, K. M. Dec. 13.
8. Kenney, Abb. Oct. 11.
S. Kennocha, V. March 1 3s
8. Kentigern, B. Jan. 13.
S. Kentigerna, W. Jan. 7.
S. Keyna, V. Oct. 8.
S. Kiaran, B. C. March 5.
8. Kiaran, Abbot, Sept. 9.
8. K 7 1
inga, uly 2
S. Kink, V. Feb. ;
* Knights of Malta, in S. Pius v.
May 5.
Knights of S. Hubert, in his
_ L. Ae, Nov. 3.
yneburge, Kyneſwide &c.
March's j =: hes
L.
* „bees what, in Exalt. of
then. Cross, Sept. 14
* LaRenting, | in SS. Potamiana,
c. June 28.
8. — K. C. June 27.
8. Lamaliſſe, C. March 3.
8. Lambert, B. M. Sept. 17. ;
* Lammas, why fo called, in
Aug. 1
8. Landelin, Abbot, June 15.
S. Landry, B. C. Jane 10.
* Lantranc, Archbp. in S. An-
ſelm, April 21.
8. Laſerian, B. April 18.
La Trappe, account of, in
Robert, April 29.
8. Laurence, B. Feb. 2.
8. Laurence, M. Aug. 10.
8. CER Juſtinian, B. C.
t. 5.
„ ES... B. of Dublin, | cp |
Nov. 14.
Laurence Scupoli, in 8. Au-
drew Avellino, Nov. 10.
S. Lea, Widow, March 22.
8. Leander, B. C. Feb. 27.
S8. Lebwin, C. Nov. 12.
* Le Jeune, in S. Philip, Ma | 5
| SS. Leo and Paregorius,
8. Leo the Great, Pope; April
o the Great, April 11.
S. Leo IX. Pope, C. April 19.
S. Leo II. Pope, C. June 28.
S8. Leo IV Po Ni gs 17.
8. NR
S8. Leodegarius, B. M. 88.2.
S. Leonard, Nov. 6.
E „ ITAL 2. PETS IIS — — I BCT A —
r —_—_ > rr == —_ ==. === ac
636
—
*
*
=
6ů6 „% A ĩ˙ * EEE or
—
— D — —
—
939 — 7
—
———— —EjEĩʒ—— — —
— —
— —_ -_—— _
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL T aBLE
S. Leonard of Yandeuvre, Her-
mit, ib.
S. Leonides, M. April 22.
8. Leonorus, B. July 1.
8. Leopold, C. Nov. 1
S. Lethard, B. C. Feb, 24-
S. Leufredus, Abbot, June 21.
S. Lewine, V. M. July 24.
S. Lewis, B. C. Aug 19.
8 Lewis, K. C. Avg: 25.
S. Lewis Bertrand, C. Oct. g.
* Lewis of Granada, ib.
88. Liberatns, and Compentons,
MM. Auguſt 17.
® Liberins, Pope, i in 8. Athana-
fius, May 2.
8. Liborius, B. W uly 23.
S. Licinius, B. C. Feb. 13.
S. Lidwina, V. April 14.
8. Lifard, Abbot, Jute 3.
8. Linus, Pope, M. 8e pt. 23.
8. Lioba, V. Abbeſs, Sept, 28.
8. Livin, B. M. Nov. 12.
8. Lo, B. Sept. 21. |
* Loney. Peter, in 8. ai
8. Load, l C. Feb. 17.
8. Lomer, Abbot, Jan. 19.
S. Luanus, Abbot, Aug. 4.
SS. Lucia and Geminianus, MM.
Sept. 16. |
8. Lucian, Prieſt, M. Jan. 7.
S. Lucian, M. Jan. 8.
88. Lucian and Marcian, MM,.
' O&26.
» Lucifer, B. in 8. Athanaſius,
May 2.
S. Lucius, Pope, M. March 4.
8. Lucius, K. C. Dec. 3.
S. Lucy, V. Sept. i9g9.
8. Lucy, V. M. Dec. 13.
8. 7 B. March 26. |
* Ludgate, in S. Fdmund, 42 20.
8. Luican, C. July 27. 1
S. Luke, Evangeliſt, OR. 18.
8. Lullus, B. C. OR. 16.
$ Lupus of Troyes, B. C. July
S. Lopns, . of Sens, C. 24.
* Lot» Abbot, in S. Prudentius,
Aptil 6.
M.
8. Macarius of Alexandria, Anch.
Jan. 2.
8. Macarius, the Elder, Jan. 16.
S. Maccai, Abbot, April 11.
8. Macculindus, B. Sept. 6.
8. Macedonius, Anch. Jan. 24.
8. Mac-cartin, B. C. Aug. 15.
88. Machabees, MM. Aug. 1.
8. Mackeſſoge, B a= March 10.
B. Macclain, Abbot, in 8. *
phanius, Jan. 21.
S. Macniſius, B. Sept. 3.
8. e Ju 19.
8. Macull, C ril 2
8. Madelberte, * Abbefs, Sep
tember 7
8. Maden, C May 17.
* Magi, in Epiphany, Jan. 6,
* Mazians, account of, in 88. Sa-
r, &c. Nov, 30. |
8. Magloire, B. C. Ott 24.
8. Maguil, May 30
8. Ma arlapor, M. Nov. 27.
* Mahomet,, in S. Maximus,
Dec. 30
S. Maidoc, B. Jan. 31. -
8. Maicul, Abbot, May 11.
8. Main, Abbot, Jan. 15.
8. Malachy, B. C. Nov. 3.
S. Malo, „Nov. 1788
8. Malrubius, Abbot, April 21.
8. Malrubius, H. M. Auguſt 27.
8. Mamas, M. Aug. 17.
8. Mammertus, B. C. May 11.
* Manicheiſm, in 8. Auguſtin,
Aug. 28.
8. Mans, B. M. April 16.
8. Manſuet, B. Sept. 3.
8. Marcella, Widow, Jan. 31.
S. Marcellina, Virgin, July 17.
SS. Marcellinus and Peter, MM
June 2.
8. Marcellus, Pope, M. Jan. 16.
Marcellus of Ancyra, in 8. Ba-
ſil, March 22
88. Marcellus and Valerian, MM.
Sept. 4
8 G
FSSF FFK.
==
8 F
GO DAY. N S 99998
2
—
= =
A
>=
Li |
Vs
pi-
Sa-
n,
or THE SAINTS, &c.
$3. Marcellus and Apuleius, MM.
Oc.
8. Marcellus, M. OR. zo.
8. Marcellus, B. C. Nov. 1.
8. Marcellus, Abbot, Dec. 29.
8. Marcian, Prieſt, Jan. 10.
I Marcian, Anch. C. Nov. 4.
Marclaha, V. M. Jan. 9.
8. Marcqu, Abbot, May 1. |
88 Marcus and Marcellianys, MM.
une 18.
SS. Marcus, Marcian, &c. MM.
* Marcus {, "Ts Antoninus, in
SS. Marcellus, &c. 'Sept. 4.
B. Margaret, V. Jan. 28.
8. Margaret, V. Feb. 3.
8. Margaret of Cortona, Ponſtpn,
1 Mei 22. :
argaret, een, June 19.
8. Margaret, vo July 20,
t, V, M. Sept. 2.
* Var nus Scotus, in 8. Alto,
8. Mate U. June 18.
; Mes s Compabs, in 8. Lewis,
ug. 2
88. Marinus 00 Aſterius, MMI.
March z.
88. Maris, 17. MM. Jan. 19.
Marius, Abbot, Jan. 27.
Mark, B. C. March 29
8. Mark, Evangeliſt, Apri
8. Mark, Pope, C. Oct
8. * B. of Jeruſalem, C. OQ.
8 Marnan, B. C. March 4.
§. Mato, Abbot, Feb. 14
. Martha, Virgin, July 2g.
Martial, Maas 30.
8. — B. of Tours, C. Nov.
8. Martin, Pope, M. gs +: 12.
8. Martina, V. M. Jan. 3
S. Martinianus, Hermit. eb 13.
S. Martyrs, for the holy ſcrip-
tures, jan. 2.
—— of n, Feb. 5.
Y —— of | ina, ib.
——"6f Pontus, ib.
Ver. XII.
Martyrs of Alexandria, Feb, 28
— nd the 13.
March 2.
forty of Sebaſte, Mar. 10.
—— of 42 March 17.
—— of Hadiab, April vg
— Maffylitan, A „ rn
——— Roman captives,
of Saragoſa, A8 26
— * under .
June 2
—— 0! orcum,
— Seven — Joy 4 * 10.
—— Seven vleepers, July 27.
—— of Utica, Aug. 24.
Twelve Brothers, Sept. 1.
of Triers, OR. 4.
— ſeven ern Dec. 9.
ten of Crete, 23.
8. Vienna B. C. Dec. 4
Mary, $2 . Purification of,
. 2.
— 2—ꝑ—!. Aununchtlon of,
March 2
— — Viſation of, July 2.
ou ad Niyes, Aug. Go.
Aſfum ion of, Aug. 18.
— — 1 of, Sept. 55
Holy ame of, i in Sept.
p. 87.
21.
Co ion of, Des. 8.
S. Mary op April g.
8. Mary of Pazzi, V. May 2g.
* Mary of the locarnation, in 8.
Philip, May 26. :
8. Mary at Oignies, Juog 23.
S. Mary Magdalen, July 22,
e gde fo i fog
* s obliged to y it
"Moir flocks, & Sundays and
feſtivals, in 8. Chet, 08. 29.
8. Matthew, Apoſtl e, Nb 2. 21.
8. Matthias, n
8. Mathurin, C. Noy- 9.
8. Maud, Queen, March 7
S. Maura, V. Sep
SS. Maurice an Compan. MM.
Sept. 22,
H h
— > > >_> —
Preſeatatjog of, Nov.
= — 1 oY *
— a
—
—
—— — — -—_-- * 1 = _ —
. —— —— —— CES — -
_— -—
' "4
iT
| {
2
\
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL, TABLE
8. Mavrilius; B. C. Sept. 13. -
S, Mauront, Abbot, May 5.
S. Maurus, Abbot, Jan. 15.
8. Maw, C. May 17.
S. Maxentia, V. M. Nov. 21
8. Maxentius, Abbot, June 26.
SS. Maximian, Malchus, &c. MM.
July 27. |
S. Maximilian, M. March 12.
S. Maximinus, B. C. May 29.
8. — pry B. C. 18 8.
8. Maximus, M. April 30
88. 8 Venerand, MM.
May 25. |
S. Maximus, B. C. June 25.
S. Maximus, B. C. Nov. 27.
S. Maximus, C. Dec, 30.
* Meath, its ancient biſhoprics,
ins. Ultan, Sept. 4
B. Mechtildes, V. Abb. April 10.
* Another S. Mechtildes, b.
S. Medard, B. C. June 8.
Medicine and ſurgery, ſtudy of,
in 8. Philip, Auguſt 23.
S, Meen, Abbot, June 21. 2
S. Melania, the younger, Dec. 31.
8. Melanius, B. C. Jan, 6.
S. Melchiades, Pope, Dec. 10.
8. Meletius, Patriarch, C. Feb. 12.
S. Melito, B. C. April 1. ;
8. Mellitus, B. C. April 24.
S. Mello, B. C. OR. 22.
8. Memmius, B. Aug. 5.
8. Meneve, Abbot, July 22.
S. Mennas, M. Nov. 11. ©
Another S. Mennas, M. ib.
S. Meriadec, B. C. June 7.
S. Merri, Abbot, Auguſt 29.
S. Methodius, Patr. of Conſtanti-
nople, C. June 14. !
8. Methodius, B. M. Sept- 18.
8. Michael, dedication of, Sept.
— pains ot, May 8.
S. Milburge, V. Feb. 23.
8. Mildred, V. Abb. Feb, 20.
S Milzithe, V. Jan, 7.
$3. Milles, B. &c. MM. Nov, 10.
* Miautius Felix, in 8. Cecilius,
*
| June 3.
88. Nazarius and
Miracles, pretended, in S8. Phi-
r
authentic, in Inv. of 8.
Stephen, Aug. 3.
S. Mitrius, M. Nov. 13.
8. Mochdemoc: Abbit March 13,
8. Mochteus, B. C. Aug. 19.
8. a al. Cluanus, Abbot
an. Is
8. Mochua, al. Cronan, Abbot, ib.
S. Modan, Abbot, Feb. 4.
8. Modomnoc, B. C. Feb, 13.
S. Modwena, Virgin, July 5.
S. Molingus, B C. June 17.
* Moliniſts, in 8. John, Nov. 24.
S. Moloc, B. C. June 25.
8. Monan, M. March 1.
8. Monegondes, Recluſe, july 2.
8. Monica, Widow, May 4.
S. Moninna, Virgin, July 6.
S. Monon, M. - 18.
* Monothelites, in S. Sophronius,
March 11, and S. Maximus,
Dec. 30. ASS f
88. Montanus, Lucius, &c. MM.
rere
* More, Sir Thomas, remarks on,
in 8. Charles, Nov. 4.
8. Mummolin, B. C. Oct. 16.
8. Munde, Abbot, Aptil 15.
8. Muredach, B. Aug. 12.
* Myſtical Theology, explained,
in 8. Tereſa, Oct. 15.
N.
88. Nabor and Felix, MM. July
2
2323
8. Narciſſus, B. Oct. 29.
SS. Narſes, B. and Comp. MM.
Nav. You... * * ; -
S. Nathalan, B. C. Jan. 8.
Nativity of our Lord J. C. Dee.
28.
8. Nath , Prieſt, Auguſt 9.
| 4 elſus, MM.
uly 28.
SS. Nemeſianus, &c. MM. Sept.
10.
8. Nemeſion, M. &c. Dec. 19-
*
8 f
4 a Exe
OOO g g gn g e PUOADRA PA
ZZ ZZZ 2 22229˙2 222222
oF THE SAINTS, &c.
$. Nennius, Abbot, Jan. 17.
S. Nennus, Abbot, June 14-
8. Nenode, Virgin, June 4-
8. Neot, Anchoret, C. Oct. 28.
SS. Nereus and Achilleus, MM.
May 12. 5
Nero, in SS. Proceſſus, &c.
July 2. 5
8. Neſtor, B. M. Feb. 7.
* Neſtorius, his hereſy, in 8. Cy-
ril, Jan. 28. and Nativity of
the B. V. September 8.
88. Nicander and Marcian, MM.
June 17. |
SS. Nicaſius, B. and Comp. MM,
Dec. 14-
S. Nicephorus, M. Feb. 9.
8. Nicephorus, Patriarch, C. Mar.
13.
8. 8 Ahbot, April 3.
8. Nicetas, M. Sept. 15.
8. Nicetius, B. C. April 2.
8. Nicetius, B. C. Dec. 5.
8. Nicholas, B. C. May 9.
8. Nicholas of Tolentino, C.
Sept. 10.
8. Nicholas, B. C. Dec. 6.
8. Nicholas of Pinara, B. ib.
8. Nicodemus, Auguſt 3.
8. Nieomedes, M. Sept. 15.
8. Nicop, C. Nov. 26. |
8. Nilammon, Hermit, Jan. 6.
8. Nilus the Younger, Abbot,
September 26.
S. Nilus, Anchoret, C. Nov. 12.
S. Ninian, B. C. Sept. 16.
8. Niſſen, Abbot, July 23.
S. Norbert, B. C. June 6.
* Novatian, in 8. Cornelius, Sep-
| tember 16. | N
SS, Nunilo and Alodia, VV. MM.
October 22.
O.
+* Ockham, William, in S. Bona-
ventute, July 14.
S. Odilo, Abbot, - Japvary 1.
8. Odo, B. N. July .
A Odo, Abbot, C. Nov, 18.
S. Odrian, B. May 8.
8. Odulph, C. July 18. |
S. Oduvald, Abbot, C. May 26.
S. Olaus, K. M. July 29.
Another S. Olaus, K. M. ib.
S. Olympias, W. Dec. 17.
8. Omer, B. C. Sept. 9.
S. Oneſimus, Feb. 16.
S. Onuphrius, Hermit, June 12.
S. Opportuna, V. Ab. April 22.
8 Optatus, B. C. June 4.
Ordeal, Trial of, in S. Edward,
October 13.
* Orders of the Eccleſiaſtical Hi-
erarchy, in 8. Laurence,
Sept. 5
* Origen, in 8 Leonides, April 22.
* 8. Grkifus, Abbot, in S. Theo-
dorus, Dec. 28.
S. Ofith, V. October 7.
S, Oſmanna, V. Sept. . |
S. Oſmund, B. C. ember 4.
S. Oſwald, B. February 29.
S. Oſwald, K. M. Auguſt 5
S. Olwin, K. M. Auguſt 20.
8. Othilia, V. Abbeſs, Dec. 13.
8. Otho, B. C. July 2.
8. Oudoceus, B. ib.
8. Ouen, B. C. Auguſt 24.
* Oxford and Cambridge, ſome
account of, in 8. Neot, Od.
28.
R. |
S. Pachomius, Abbot, May 14.
S Pacian, B. C. March 9.
S. Palladius, B. C. July 6.
* Pallium, its uſe and ſigniſica-
tion, in 8. William, — 8.
and S. Agnes, January 21.
S. Pambo of Nitria, Abbot, Sep-
tember 6. |
S. Pammachius, C. Aug- 30-
8. Painphilus, M. June 4.
8. Pancras, M. May 12.
8. Pantznus, Father of the
Church, July 7. 7
8. Pantaleon, M. July 27.
6 hnutius, B. C. Sept. 11.
2
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL TABLE
S Papoul, M. Nov. 3.
8. Paſchal Baylon, C. May 17.
S. Paſchaſius Radbert, Abbot, C.
April 26.
„ Paten, its uſe, in 88. Marcelli-
nus, &T, Jone 2:
8 paternus, B. K. April 15.
8. Patiens, B. C. September 11.
S. Patrick, Apoſtle of Irelantd,
B. C. March 1).
S. Patricins, B. M. April a8.
8. * the frit Hermit, Jan.
88. Paal and Companions, MM.
0 Jan. 18.
8. Paul, B. C. February 8.
8. Paul, the Sinfple, Anchoret,
March 7.
8. thay B. of Leon, C. March
8. Paul, Biſhop of Narbonne, 0
March a2. :
8. Paul, Apoſtle, rw 30.
——== Converſion of, Jan. 25.
8. Paul, Hermit, Dec. 20.
8. Paula, Mo, 2 72 *
8. Paulinus, Patriarch
8. N — B. of Nola; 2 Fork
8. reo B. of Vork, C. OR,
8. reg, V. Janu
8. Pelagia, V. E,
8. Pelagia, 1 October 8.
* Pela . in 8. Au-
guftine n Bop,
88. Polenisy be,
Pellegritii, Hermit A.
5 Pepin of Laden, 'C. Feb. 21.
S8. Perperna, Felicitus, &c. MM.
March 7. 40 Avril
$. Perpetuus, B. C. 8.
S. Buflam, M. Jan. 3
S Peter, Abhot, —
S. Peter, M. EIS „
8. Peter, B. May 1 go
8. Peter Regalat 1
SS. Peter, Andrey und .
MM. May 15.
8. Peter Celeſtine, Pope; Q. May
19.
8. Peter of Piſa, June 1.
S. Peter, Prince of the- Apoſites,
June 29.
8. Peter of n © OR. 19.
S. Peter ad Mocula; ſt x.
SS. Peter and Paul, Dedication of
their Churches at Rome,
November 18.
S. Peter, B. M. November 26.
S. Peter Chryſologus, B. C. De-
cember 4.
8. Peter Paſcheh, B. M. Dec. 6
S. Petroc, Abbot, June 4.
S8. Petronilla, V. May 31.
S. Petronius, B. C. 1
S. Phæbadius, B. C. April
& Philaſtrius, B. Ci July 1
88. 1 B. and News,
February 4.
SS. Philemon and Apia, No-
vember 22.
8. Philibert, Abbot, Auguſt 23.
8. Philip, Apoſtle, May l.
S. Philip Neri, C. May 26.
S. Philip, the Deacon, Jane 6.
8. Philip Beniti, C. Aug. 23.
S8. Phllip. B. and Comp. Martyrs,
ober 22.
8. Phicgonius, B. C. Dec. 20.
8. Phocas, M. Joly 3.
* Photius, author of the Oreck
ſchiſm, in 8. Ignatius, Oct.
23.
8 Piat, M. October 1.
8. Pionius, M. February 1.
8. Pius I. Pope, M. July 11.
S. Pius V. Pope, C. May 5:
8. Peter * B. C. Ja- 858. Placidus; Abbot, and Comp.
nuary
$. Peter Notaſeb; fo Jes. Zu
B. peter Pimian, B Peb. 23.
8. — C. .
Martyrs, OR. 5.
S. Plats, Aber, 'A April 4.
S. Plechelm, B. C. Juty 15.
SS. utarch, Se. MAL June 28,
- £3 runs SAINT S, &.
8. Peemen, Abbot, Auguſt 27.
* Pole, Cardinal, remarks on, in
S. Charles, November 4.
SS. Pollio gpd Camp. Martyrs,
April 28. |
| 8. Polycarp. * af Smyrna, M.
Janyary 26.
8. PolyeuQus, M. February by.
Fontian. Dope, M. Nov; 19.
Pontius, M. May 14.
deen Fable af, in *
Ju 17
S. Poppo, Abbot, Jan. 25.
8. Porphysius, R C. Feb. 26.
9. Poſhidins, B. C. May 19.
. Potammians aud Babilides, MAE
Ju une 38.
8. Potamon, B. M. May 18.
$5. Pothinus and Comp. MM. of
Lyons, June 2.
S. es. N. July 21. |
retextatus, B. C. Feb. 2
SS. Primus ane! Felicianus, MMM:
June 9.
| * Pringing Types, brſt uſed, in 8:
rancis, December 3.
S. Prigr, Hermit, June 17.
. Priſca, V. M. January 18.
8. Priſeus, Malchus, 680. **
* do March 28. |
relle iS. Martin, Nov.
85. Froceſuxang Maninian, Mare
tyrs, July 2,
S. Proclus, B. C. Odtober 24.
8 Procapius, M. Jaly 8. - |
* Procopiug,- in 8. Agapetus,
September 7 12
8. rge@Qus, B. M. Jan. a-
roſdecimus, B. C. Nov.
8. Proſpęr. of Auiaa in, C.“ une
8. Proteus, B. M. Feb. afl.
Pratus and Hyaciothus, _
September 11.
S. Prudentius, B. C. April 6.
K. ers in 8. Eulalia, Dec.
10.
8. P \ Anchoret, March 8.
S.P almodius, Hermit, June 14.
W. Ptolemy, Lucius and Comp.
rtyrs, October 19.
S. Py . B. M. January 21.
S. Publiys, Abbot, January 25.
S. Pudentiana, V. May 19.
8. Pulcheria, V. Empreſs, Sep-
tember 10. | |
8. Quadratus, B. C. May 26.
* Quartodecimans, in 8. Victor,
July 28.
Quietiſm, account of, in S. John,
Nov. 24 5
8. Quintin, I. October 31. ö
SS. Qviricus and Julitta, MM.
June 16.
;. Odnus, B. M. June 4.
927
* Rahanus Mayrus, in $ Pruden-
._ tius,' April 6.
S. Radbod, B, — Nov.'s =
S. Rad ddes; een, Au I
B. — Widow, June 26.
8. Ralph, B. C. June 21.
Rance of La Trappe, in 8.
Robert, April 29.
8. Raymund of Pennaſort, C.
anua 185
8. a onnatus, C. Au:
ult 31
S. Regina, V. M. Sept. 7.
8. Regulus, B. March 30.
8. Remaclus, B. C. Sept. 3-
8. 2 B. C. Feb. 4.
emi gius, B C. October 1.
© Remight, B. he 8. prudentius,
April 6,
: * Renti, — of, in SS. Criſpin,
&c: October a5:
S. Richard, K. C. ebruary 7.
S. Richard, B. C. April 3.
S. Richard, B. C. June 9.
S. Richard, B. C. Auguſt 22.
8. Richarius, Abbot, April 26.
S. Rictrudes, _— May 12,
3. Rigobert, B. Jan: 4. a
4
—— . — — . —Ü— . —— — — 2 . —
— 25 - — — 2 * —
-
— -- — — — — ——ẽd — —— — ·˙ ͥ² x —
— — ——— @
5
—— — —
—
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL 2 ABLE
B. Robert of Arbriſſel, C. Feb. 23.
B. Robert, Abbot, April 24-
8. Robert, Abbor, April 29.
S. Robert, Abbot, June 7.
8. Roch, C. Aug. 16.
* Rogation days, in 8. Mammer-
*— — og 1 L
B. Roger, Abbot, Fe mary 1
S. Roger, C. March 5. if
* Romances, origin of, in s. Te-
reſa, Oct. 15
88. Romanus and Lopicious, Ab:
bots, Feb. 28.
88. Romanus and David, MM.
July 24.
8. Romanus, M. Auguſt .
8. Romanus, B. C. October 23.
S. Romaric, Abbot, Dec. 8.
* Rome, the See of St. Peter, in
his life, June 29.
8. Romuald, Abbot, Feb. 9.
S. Roſa, V. March 8.
S. Roſalia, V. Sept. 4.
# Rofary, on — firſt Sand 4
October, . 2h
S. Roſe of Lima, Auguſt 30.
* Rouen, vilege of its chapter,
in 8g. Romanus, October 23.
8. Rouin, Abbot, de on 2
S. Ruadhan, B. A
SS, Rugna and Sceunds, Vi
Martyrs, hs he
88. Rubnus and alerius, MM.
June 14.
„ Rufinus of Aquileia, 3 jn 8 Je-
rom, Sept: 30.
S. Ruſus, — 4 April 22.
88. Rufus 2 Zoꝛimus, ee
Dec. 1
Rules of: a \ Chit, life, in 88.
2 and n Sept.
8. Rumold, b. M. July i.
8. Rumon, B. C. Jan. 4.
— — C. Nov. 3.
rt, 1 8 C. March 27.
G 2 ians, account of, in S. Bo-
niface, Jan. 19. and 88. Ro-
manus, &c. July 24.
8. Ruſticus, B. Sept 24.
8.
S. Sabas, M. April 12.
8. Sabas, Abbot, Dec. 5.
S. Sabina, M. Auguſt 29.
8. Sabinianus, M. Jan. 2
S8. Sabinus, B. &c. MM. Dee. 30,
S. Sadoth, B. and Comp. MM,
Februa — 2
Saints, All, 1.
8. Salvius, — ond 11.
S. Salvius, B =
8. Sampſon, B July 28.
8. Samthana, V. Abbeſs, Dec. 1
Sanctus, of the Maſs, the Tri-
ſagion, in 8. Proelus, Oo-
ber 24
88. Sapor and Ifaac, BB. and
Comp. MM. Nov. zo.
SS. Saturninus, Dativus, &c. MM.
February 11. |
8. Saturninus, B. AI. Nov. 29.
S. Saturninus, M. ib.
*'Saxons, account of, in 8. Au-
guſtine, May 26.
8. Scholaſtica, Virgin, Feb. 10
* . the name given to North
Britain, in 8 Patrick, March
17, and 8. Palladius. July 6.
* 8 7 — Saints, in 8. Palledras
ly 6.
* Gebt, theiy firſt ſotclement, i in
S, Columb, June 9, and 8.
Palladius, "Jaly 6. Their
Calendar, id. Their monaſ-
teeries in Germany, in S. Alto,
September
1 . John Dons; 3 in 8. Bo-
na venture, July 14
S. Sebaſtian, M. Jan. 20.
8. Sebbi, K. C. Auguſt 29.
S8. Secundin, B Nov. 27-
* Sedulius, in 8. Eulalia, Dec. 10-
S Senan, B. C. March 8.
Seneca, in 8. Paul, June 30.
8. Sequanus, Abbot, Sept. 19.
8 Setapion, M. Jan. 31.
&. Serapion, the 5 gmt, Vac
21.
ec. 30
or rnt SAINTS, &c.
S. Serapion, Abbot, March 21,
S. Serapion, B. C. ib.
S. Serenus, M. Feb. 23.
S. Serf, B. April 20.
88. Hergius and Bacchus, MM.
Ty .
® Sergius of Conſtantinople, in 8.
Maximus, Dec. 30.
8. Servatius, B. May 13.
8. Servulus, C. Dec. 23.
S. Severianus, B. M. Feb. 21.
8. Severin, B. C. Oct. 23.
8. Severin, or Surin, B. ib.
8. Severinus, Abbot, * 8.
$. Severinus, Abbot, Feb. 11.
8, Sexburgh, Abbeſs, July 6.
8. Sidronius, M. Sept. 8.
8. Sigebert, K. C. Feb. 1.
8. Sigefride, B. Feb. 15.
8. Sigiſmund, K. M. May 1.
S. Sila ve, B. C. May 17.
8. Silverius, Pope, M. June 20.
8. Sitvin, B. C. Feb. 17.
8. Simeon Stylites, C. Jan. 5.
8. Simeon; B. M. Feb. 18.
8. Simeon, B. and Comp. MM.
April 17. |
$. Sitheon, gy [+ no
8, Simeon Stylites the Younger,
* Sept. 3. 1 \
8 Simon, M. March 24.
8. Simon Stock, C. May 16.
8. Simon, Apoſtie, Oct. 28.
* Simon Magus, in 8. Philip, June
6, and 8. Peter, June 29.
8. Simplicius, Pope, C. March 2.
SS. Simplicius, & c. MM, July
20. ob
8. Sindulphus, Prieſt; Oct 20.
S. Siran, Abbot, Dec. 4.
S. Sioes, Anchoret, July 4.
S. Sixtus I, Pope, M. April 6.
8 Sixtus III. Pope, March 28.
88. Socrates and Stephen, MM.
Sept. 17.
S Sola, Hermit, Dec. 3.
S. Sophia, V. M. April 30.
8. Sophronius, B. C. March 11.
88. Soter and Caius, Popes, MM.
April 22. |
S. Soteris, V. M. Feb. 10.
Souls, All, Nov. 2.
88. Speratus and Comp. MM.
July 17.
SS. Speuſippus, &c. MM. Jan.
1
8. Spir don, B. C. Dec. 14.
* Spirits, evil, their exiſtence and
operations, in Angel-Guardi-
ans, OR. 2. |
8. Staniſlas, B. M. May 7.
8. Staniſſas Koſtka, C. Nov. 13.
8. ny of Grandmont, Abbot,
| eb. 8.
S. Stephen, Abbot, Feb. 13.
S: Stephen, Abbot, C. April 17.
8. Stephen, Pope, M. Aug. 2.
S. Stephen, K, C. Sept. 2.
8. ge paged the Younger, M.
| ov. 28: : |
8. Stephen Proto- martyr, Dec.
26
| =—=———" Jnyention- of his re-
licks, Auguſt 3-
* Stuart; origin of the name of,
in 8. Margaret, June 10.
* Study, beft method of, in 8.
© * Baſil, June 14.
* S. Sturmius, in S. Lullus, OR.
16.
8. Sulpicius, the Pious, B. C. Jan.
1
8. Sulpicius le Debonnair, B ib.
8. Sulpicius Severus, Jan. 29.
8. Sulpicius, B. ib. |
S. Sutanus, Abbot, M. Jan. 24.
S. Suſanna, V. M. Auguſt 11.
* Suſo, Henry, in 8. Laurence,
i 5
| 5 | |
8. e B. 8 March 1.
SS. Sifinnius, &c- MM, May 29.
8 Swithin, B. C. July 15.
8. Syagrius, B. C. Augul 27.
8. Sylveſter Gozxolinl,
Nov. 26.
8. Sylveſter, Pope, C. Dec. 31.
S. Symmachus, Pope, C. Julp 19.
S. Symphorian, M. Aug 22.
9 Symphoroſa and her ſeven Sons,
MM. July 18: |
8. Syncletica. v. ; "of eh
8. Syra, V. June 8,
Abbot,
GENBRAL ALPHAREFICAL TASLE
” LS
=
*
.
8. Tanco, B. M. Feb, 16.
| 88. . N krobus, &c. MM.
S. Tarafius, Patriarch, C. Peb. 25.
* Tatian, in 8. Theophilus, De-
cember 6. b
2 Abbeſs, QA. ic
S. Teleſphorus, Pope, M: Joo. 5
S. Tereſa, V. October 15.
8. Ternan, B. C. June 12.
* Territories conferred on the
| 10 See, in 8. Henry II.
* Tels”; in 88. Speratus, c.
my 17.
8. Tha. Penitent, ober 8.
88. * and Lifnngus, CC.
eb,
8. Thailaus, e Th.
SS. Thea, &c, M y 25,
S. Thecla, V. M. Se pe 72
5. Thelizu, Bd Fs ng
S. Theobald u |
B. Theobald, Abbot, Jp fg F
£ Theodora, 114.5 eb. 11.
S. Theodore, Sept. 19.
3 OR. 2
* Theadaret, B B. in 8. acedo-
nius, Jan. 24.
S..Theodorus, M. Feb. 7.
8 Tbeodorus, B. C. April 22.
S. Theodorus, M. Noy. 9.
8. Theodorus, the Stydite, Ab.
Nov. 22. | 1
Tlealb. g. Dec. 27. —_—
& Theodorus, Abbot, Dec. 28.
S. Tbęodoſia, V. M. April 2.
8. e e Jan,
fs Theadots, M. Sept. 29.
88. > non 6 $9 MM.
85. The Galas and Julian, MM.
Feb. 1).
8. "Cheonas, B. C. Aug. 23. |
8. Tbeophanes, Abbot, C. arch
*
13
8. Theophilus, B. C. Dee. 6.
8. Thierri, Abbot, July 1.
8. Thillo, Reclyſe, Jan. 7, ;
* Thiſtle, inſtitution of the orden
of, in 8. Andrew, Noy. 30.
8. Thomas of Aquino, D, C.
March
8. Thomaz * Villayors,, B. 0
Sept. 18.
Thomas of Jeſs, in 8. *
guſline, Aug
8. * B. of tees” G
* Thos a Kempis, i in $, An-
drew Avellino, Nov. 10.
8. Are oſtle, — . 1 1
8. 9 of anterbhur
88. Thea and Emiliana, ww,
0 na r in §. As
S4. Ae 1 Jan
1 8 V cela, &c, MM,
88. ve Valerian, &c, 54
8. ct M. Auguſt 1 11.
8. Tigernach, B. C. April 55
S. Timozh jy, B. M. ] Jan,
SS. Timothy, Agapiug, ng
J *
8. Timody, bt. Aug. 22. .
S. Titus, B. Jan. 4-
8. Tochumza, V. June 11,
Another S. Tochumra, V. ib.
D of our Lord, Au-
1 | ,
®* Traditors and Circumcellions,
in S. Optatus, June 4.
8. Treſain, C. Feb, 2.
8. Tron, C. Nor. 1
88. Trypho, &c. MM, and **
pha, V. Nov. 10. |
8. Turiaf, B. July 13.
8. Turibjus, B. April 16.
5 Tufketil, in 8. Guthlake, Api
* 'Turky, account of, in d. Pius V.
lay 5 and 8. Maxynye,
ec. 30. 4
' f
*
a
920
,
a,
er Tus SAINT S, &e.
* Turks, defeated by Hunniades, Virginity, perpetual, of the B.
in 8. John, OR. 23.
S. Turninus, C. July 17.
SS. Tygrius and Eutropius, MM.
an. 12.
88. Fytunnio, Zenobius, &c. MM,
eb. 20. 0 |
* Tyrants, unhappy end of, in
SS. Anthymus, &c. April 27.
U and V.
8. Valentine, Prieſt, M. Feb. 14.
S. Valery, Abbot, Dec. 12.
* Vandals, account of, in S. Eu-
*
. > genius, July 13.
S. Vandrille, rs July 22,
S. Vaneng, C. Jan. 9.
8. Vanne, B. C. Nov. g.
8. Vauge, Hermit, June 15.
S. Ubaldus, B. May 16.
S. Vedaſt, B. C. Feb. 6.
S. Venantius, M. May 18,
* Venantius Fortunatus, in 8. Ra-
0 —— 2 13.
S. Veronica, V. Jan. 13.
* Vettius Epagatus, M. in. SS.
Pothimus, & June 2.
8. Victor, Anchoret, C.
8. Victor, M. Aptil 12.
8. Victor, M. May 8.
8. Victor, M. July 21.
8. Victor, Pope, M. July 28.
8. Victoria, V. M. Dec. 23. 9
88. Victorian and Comp. MM.
March 23. 88
SS. Victorinus and Comp. MM,
Feb. 25.
S. Victorinus, B M. Nov. 2.
Vida, B. in S. Charles Borre-
meo, Nov. 4.
* Vienna, ſiege of, in Sept. 8.
8. Vigilius, B. M. June 26.
8. Vimin, B. C. Jan. 21.
8. Vincent, M. Jan. 22.
S. Vincent Ferrer, C. April 5.
8. Vincent of Lerins, C. May 24.
S. Vincent, M. June 9g.
S. Vincent of Paul, C. July 19-
8. Virgil, B. C. Nov. 27.
Feb. 26.
_ V. M. in her Nativity, Sep-
tember 8.
* Virtue, falſe, of the heathen
| — 2 in 8. Pantznus,
u
5
8. Vitalis, M. April 28.
88. Vitalis and Agticola, MM.
Nov. 4. |
S. Vitus, B. C. Feb. g.
SS. Vitus, Creſcentia, &c. MM.
June 15.
S. Ultrid, B. M. Jan. 18.
S. Ulmar, Abbot, July 20.
S. Ulpian, M. April 3.
S. Ulrick, Recluſe, Feb. 20.
S. Ulrick, B. C. July 4.
S. Ultan, B. Sept. 4. b
* Vows, of chaſtity, from the
times of the Apoſtles, in 88.
Azades, &c. April 22-
S. Urban, Pope, M. May 25.
S. Urſmar, B. April 19 |
SS. Urſula and Comp. VV. MM.
OR. 21.
. Vulgan, C. Nov. 2.
Vulſin, B. C. Jan. 8.
—
8. Walburge, V. Abb. Feb. 25.
„ Waldenſes, account of, in 8.
Dominic, Auguſt 4.
Wales, account of, in S. Beu-
no, April 21.
8. Walſtan, C. May 30.
8. Walter, Abbot, April 8.
8. Walter, Abbot, June 4.
Another 8. Walter, ib.
8. Walthen, Abbot, C. Aug. 3.
S. Waltrude, W. April g.
S. Waſnulf, C. Oct. 1.
8. Wenceſlas, Duke, M. Sept.
28.
S. Wenefride, V. M. Nov. 3.
8. Wereburge, V. Abb. Feb. z.
S. Werenfrid, C. Nov. 7.
8. Wigbert, Abbot, C. Aug. 13.
S. Wiltrid, B. C. Oct. 12.
S. Willehad, B. C. Nov. 8.
GENERAL ALPHABETICAL TABLE, &c.
S, William, B. C. Jan. 10.
S. William, H. Feb. 10.
S. William, M. March 24.
S. William, Abbot, C. April 6.
S. William, B. C. June 8.
S. William of Monte Vergine,
June 0 * .
8. Wilka. C. July 29.
S. William, B. C. *
8. Willibald, B. C. Jul
S. Willibrord, B. C. 4 I ..
S. Winebald, Abbot, Dec. 18.
8. Winoc, Abbot. Nov. 6. 4
S. Winwaloe, Abbot, March 3.
S. Wiro, B. May 8.
S. Wiſtan, M. 8 I,
S. Withburge, V. July 8.
S. Wolfgang, B. G. 31.
* Women, Surching of inFeb. 2.
Writing.
8. alan, Aug. 1
SS. Wulf had and Rota, MM.
July 24.
S. Wulfhilde, V. — Dec. 9.
MVSEVM. | -
S. Wulfran, B. March 20.
S. Wulſtan, B. C. Jan. 19.
X.
8. Xyſtus, or Sixtus II. Pope, M.
Aug. 6.
V.
B. Yvo, B. C. May 20.
S8. Yvo, C. May 22.
Z. —
8. Zachary, Pope, C. March 15,
S. Zeno, B. C. April 12.
8. Zenobius, B. C. OR. 20.
8. Zephyrinus, Pope, M. Aug. 26-
ancient manner of, in S. Zita, Virgin, April 2
* Zoſimus, Prieſt, in 'S Mary,
April g.
S. Zoticus, B M. July 21.
S. Zozimus, B. March 30.
2
E RR ORS or THe PRESS.
VOL. X. OCTOBER.
P. 10. 1. 7. r. together with. P. 36. 1. 21. for rejoice, r. join.
P. 46. I. 12. for in, r. by our. P. 71.1. 11: r. their death. P. 109.
I. 7. r. marks of the nails. P. 129. |. 8. from bott. dele that.
P. 160. 1. 17. for 1361, r. 1381. P. 162. |. 17. dele according to
the number of the 72 diſciples. P. 167. I. 8. from bott. r. ora
ious. P. 181. 1. 8. r. ſacred. P. 229. |. 9. for and, r. in. P. 236.
2. r. my. P. 254. l. 6. r. judaized. P. 280. J. 7. r. undertakes.
P. 288. |. 13. of note, r. this court. P. 306. L 6. of note, after
name, r. from the Greek ara, and uαπνι su, a couch; or xo8@», a
hollow or cavity. P. 376. J. 15. from bott. r. good works. P. 379.
I. 21. r. out. P. 400. I. 15. of note, for ſecond ſolar, r. third ſolar.
P. 401. 1. 25. of note, for Thus, r. This reunion. P. 402. I. 30.
of note, r. beginning. P. 403. 1. 14. from bott. for 662, r. 622.
P. 427. l. 4. r. See. P. 455. |. 12. r. reins. P. 517. I. 18. of
note, for edition, r. ſupplement, P. 543. I. 15- r. of knowledge.
P. 597. 1. laſt, r. breathes,
VOL. XI. NOVEMBER.
P. 40. |. 7. from bott. r. poor, P. 81. l. 9. from bott. r. alla priora
de Angeliche. P. 88. 1. 28. of the, dele of. P. 127. 1. 22. r. infected.
P. 188. I. 6. for del, r. dal. ib. I. 9. r. 1608, P. 204. I. 3. r. fourth
age. P. 216. l. 6. from bott. for 338, or 339, r. 388, or 389.
P. 233. l. 13. from bott. after learning, dele the comma. P. 293.
I. 28. r. bearing. P. 324. |. t...r. Rerum Francicarum. P. 397.
I. 17. dele which. P. 418. L 1. dele St,
VOL, xl. DECEMBER.
P. 22. L 25. r. with,
P. 97. I. 20. r. 566...
P. 164. |. 16. f. Advent. |
P, 324, l. laſt, r... pierce. | 9
P. 376. 1. 17, for Gregory II. r. Gregory XI.
ERRORS omitted in VOL. IV. APRIL.
P. 315. I. 2. of note, for 1730, r. 1230.
| In VOL. V. MAY. |
The life of S. Hoſpitius is by miſtake inſerted on the 21ſt. Ste it
on the 15th of Oftober. | .
| YO L VE FUSE
P. 222, |. 13. r. Fabius Chigi. In the contents, prefix 30, before
8. Paul, Ap.
la VOL VII JULY.
P. 48. I. 29. dele Being therefore promoted to prieſtly orders, he
was conſecrated biſhop. P. 282. 1, 3. after inſpires, place a conuna, '
and a full-point after 449.
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